California Governor Gavin Newsom has come under scrutiny for making claims that the state has doubled the number of National Guard troops at the U.S. Southern Border. Some critics have accused him of spreading false information. Newsom posted a video on social media from the San Ysidro Port of Entry where he mentioned meeting with the National Guard and Customs and Border Patrol agents. He stated that there are 390 National Guardsmen and women working in California, particularly focusing on fentanyl-related issues. However, his claim about doubling the National Guard presence has been questioned.
Fox News correspondents, Bill Melugin and Matt Finn, refuted Newsom’s assertions. Melugin reported not seeing any California National Guard soldiers in Jacumba, a hotspot for illegal border crossings. Instead, Border Patrol agents are overwhelmed by migrants crossing the border. Finn also mentioned not witnessing any California National Guard troops in the area. They both pointed out that California soldiers are mainly assisting with drug interdiction at ports of entry, not at the mass crossing hot spots like Jacumba.
Tomi Lahren, hosting OutKick, criticized Newsom for what she called a “vanity shot” at the border. She accused Newsom of telling a “bold-faced lie” to the public and his constituents. Lahren highlighted the disconnect between Newsom’s claims and the reality observed by journalists on the ground.
Despite the backlash, a spokesperson for Newsom’s office defended the Governor’s statements by saying, “The Governor’s words speak for themselves.”
The controversy surrounding Newsom’s claims raises questions about transparency and accuracy in political messaging. It underscores the importance of fact-checking and holding public officials accountable for the information they share with the public. As the debate continues, it is crucial for journalists and citizens to verify statements made by elected officials to ensure the truth is upheld.