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Fact check: Did Newson give away money that was supposed to go to Palestine?

Checked on August 9, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the comprehensive analysis of available sources, there is no evidence that Governor Gavin Newsom gave away money that was supposed to go to Palestine. The sources examined reveal several key findings:

  • No direct evidence exists of Newsom redirecting Palestinian aid funds [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]
  • The only potentially relevant connection found was that Newsom has raised funds for the Tides Center, which is the fiscal sponsor of a group that organized anti-Israel protests [9]
  • Multiple sources show Newsom has actually publicly supported Palestinian causes, including calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and writing open letters to Muslim, Palestinian American, and Arab American communities [6] [7] [8]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important context about Newsom's actual positions and actions regarding Palestine:

  • Newsom has publicly called for a ceasefire in Gaza and has written supportive letters to Arab and Muslim American communities [6] [7] [8]
  • His administration has made efforts to combat Islamophobia and anti-Arab hate and provide aid to civilians in the region [8]
  • While Newsom has stated he is "against divestment" from Israel-tied investments, this relates to investment policy rather than redirecting Palestinian aid [2]
  • The Trump administration's actions regarding disaster relief funds and loyalty pledges to Israel represent a separate policy issue entirely [1]

Alternative viewpoints that benefit different parties:

  • Pro-Israel advocates would benefit from narratives suggesting Newsom secretly undermines Palestinian aid while publicly supporting Palestinian causes
  • Palestinian advocacy groups would benefit from highlighting any inconsistencies between Newsom's public statements and private fundraising activities
  • Political opponents of Newsom would benefit from allegations of hypocrisy or misuse of funds

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question appears to contain unsubstantiated assumptions and potential misinformation:

  • No factual basis exists for the claim that Newsom gave away money meant for Palestine based on all analyzed sources
  • The question presupposes that such an event occurred without providing evidence
  • This type of question could be designed to spread unfounded allegations against a political figure
  • The framing suggests deliberate misconduct without any supporting documentation from credible sources

The question may reflect confirmation bias or be part of a disinformation campaign designed to damage Newsom's reputation among constituencies that support Palestinian causes, particularly given that the only tangential connection found was his fundraising for an organization that sponsored anti-Israel protests [9].

Want to dive deeper?
What was the intended purpose of the funds allegedly given away by Gavin Newsom?
How has the Palestinian community responded to Gavin Newsom's alleged actions?
What are the implications of Gavin Newsom's actions on US-Palestine relations?
Has Gavin Newsom faced any backlash or criticism from other politicians regarding the alleged funds?
What is the current status of US aid to Palestine under the Biden administration?