California Governor Gavin Newsom faced criticism after restricting access to his recently disclosed tax returns, raising questions about transparency ahead of his anticipated 2028 presidential campaign.
On Thursday, the governor allowed a select group of journalists to review his tax documents in a closed-door setting. Media representatives, including outlets such as KCRA, the Associated Press, The New York Times, and Politico, were permitted to view the returns but were prohibited from making copies or publishing the documents directly. Instead, these outlets published summaries of their findings simultaneously under an embargo at 10 a.m. on Friday. Other news organizations, including the California Post—which had actively called for the release of Newsom’s tax filings—were excluded from the viewing.
Newsom’s office described the action as a historic move, with a spokesperson from his official communications team stating that he was the first California governor to publicly disclose tax returns covering every year of his tenure. However, critics argue that this characterization is misleading, noting that the governor did not release his tax documents annually but chose to publish returns for four years only at this time.
The timing of the tax return disclosure is also drawing scrutiny. Newsom and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who holds the title of “First Partner,” are reportedly under federal investigation related to her tax matters. Additionally, the governor is widely expected to announce a presidential bid following the upcoming midterm elections. Observers suggest that the controlled disclosure is meant to project an image of transparency and preempt concerns among primary voters about potential legal or financial issues.
Opponents have condemned the process as undermining the role of a free press and public accountability, arguing that selectively granting access to favored media outlets amounts to an erosion of trust. Some commentators highlighted the apparent inconsistency in Newsom’s approach, given his previous criticisms of former President Donald Trump for not fully releasing tax returns and for allegedly favoring certain media organizations.
Supporters in Newsom’s camp maintain that the move represents a level of openness unprecedented among California governors and assert that the governor has otherwise complied with relevant tax reporting requirements. Nevertheless, calls persist from some quarters for Newsom to make the tax returns publicly accessible in full, without restrictions, to ensure greater transparency.