Fact Check: "Grenell attacks Newsom's wife over false claims about her shopping during riots."
What We Know
In June 2025, amid protests in Los Angeles related to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, a photograph surfaced claiming to show California Governor Gavin Newsom's wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, shopping in Beverly Hills. This claim was amplified by Richard Grenell, a former U.S. Ambassador and ally of Donald Trump, who suggested that the Newsoms were indifferent to the chaos surrounding the protests. Grenell's posts on social media implied that Siebel Newsom was shopping with a designer handbag worth thousands of dollars during a time of crisis (source-1, source-4).
However, the photograph in question was misrepresented. It was confirmed by the Governor's office that the image was taken in January 2025, months before the protests began, and not during the riots as claimed (source-2). The Daily Mail, which initially reported on the photograph, later issued a correction acknowledging the error in the date (source-2).
Analysis
Richard Grenell's claims about Jennifer Siebel Newsom shopping during the protests were based on a misrepresentation of the timing of the photograph. The image was indeed real, but it was taken months prior to the protests, which undermines the context of Grenell's accusations (source-2). The Governor's office responded strongly, labeling Grenell's statements as "an outright lie" and emphasized that Siebel Newsom was shopping for skincare products as part of her recovery from skin cancer (source-1, source-3).
Grenell's credibility is questionable, as he has a history of politically charged statements and is known for his adversarial relationship with the Newsom administration. His motivations may be influenced by his political affiliations and ongoing rivalry with the Governor (source-6). The Daily Mail's correction further indicates that initial reports were not thoroughly vetted, raising concerns about the reliability of sources that propagate such claims without proper fact-checking.
Conclusion
The claim that Richard Grenell attacked Jennifer Siebel Newsom over her shopping during the riots is True in the sense that Grenell did make such accusations. However, the underlying assertion that she was shopping during the protests is false, as the photograph was taken months earlier. The context in which Grenell presented the information was misleading, and the subsequent corrections from reputable sources confirm that the claims were based on misrepresented facts.
Sources
- Gavin Newsom lashes out at Trump ally Ric Grenell over claims Governor ... MSN
- Picture does not show Gavin Newsom's wife shopping in Beverly Hills ... Snopes
- Gavin Newsom lashes out at Trump ally Ric Grenell over ... The Independent
- Richard Grenell Calls Out Gavin Newsom's Wife For Shopping Amid LA ... Celebrity Insider
- Gavin Newsom lashes out at Trump ally Ric Grenell over ... Yahoo News
- Grenell says he'll be motivated to challenge Harris if she runs for ... Washington Examiner
- Grenell: Calif. Gubernatorial Run Could Hinge on Kamala ... Newsmax
- Did Gavin Newsom's wife go on Beverly Hills shopping ... AL.com
