Is Gavin Newsom really Nancy Pelosi's nephew? Bizarre far-right viral video gets it wrong-ish
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Few claims have captured as much attention and curiosity as the supposed family connection between California Governor Gavin Newsom and Nancy Pelosi, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives.
As Newsom's name continues to be mentioned in the context of a potential presidential run in 2024, social media platforms have been inundated with misleading information and falsehoods regarding their familial ties.
Among the misinformation circulating is a parody video that seeks to paint Newsom in a negative light while perpetuating the unfounded claim that he is Nancy Pelosi's nephew.
Gavin Newsom parody video
The parody video, which has gained traction in far-right circles and among Newsom's political opponents, takes aim at one of his campaign ads where he emphasizes his leadership during the pandemic and his commitment to the state of California.
The original 60-second spot features the Democratic governor walking through a serene redwood forest, describing these iconic California trees as a symbol of resilience in the face of devastating wildfires.
In the ad, Newsom proclaims, "Whatever challenges come our way, I will always lead the California way, based on compassion, common sense, telling the truth, following science, treasuring our diversity, defending our democracy, protecting our planet, and always planting seeds for the future."
The campaign ad also unveils Newsom's new slogan -- "Courage through crisis." It's an image crafted to showcase the governor as a steady and compassionate leader in a state often beset by complex issues and challenges.
However, the creators of the parody video took it upon themselves to manipulate the original footage, weaving together a montage of images depicting California's homelessness crisis, drug abuse problems, and violent crime sprees.
The clip appears to juxtapose Newsom's carefully scripted words with troubling and distressing scenes from the state he governs.
Comparison Video Of Gavin Newsom And His Promises For California vs Reality pic.twitter.com/FAyeXtbYwq
— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) September 26, 2023
The title of the parody video -- "Gavin Newsome, Nephew of Nancy Pelosi, destroying America" -- explicitly asserts a false family connection between Newsom and Pelosi. It seeks to tie the two prominent Democrats together, suggesting that their purported familial relationship signifies a shared responsibility for the issues highlighted in the video.
Unraveling the family ties
However, it is essential to distinguish between fact and fiction in this matter. While there are indeed familial connections between the Pelosi and Newsom families, both being prominent in California politics, the claims of Gavin Newsom being Nancy Pelosi's nephew are untrue. A commentary piece by CalMatters clarifies the actual relationship.
Nancy Pelosi's brother-in-law Ron Pelosi was previously married to Belinda Barbara Newsom, Gavin Newsom's aunt. This connection, through marriage, did exist for a time. However, Barbara Newsom and Ron Pelosi divorced in 1977, and Barbara Newsom died in 2008.
This means that Gavin Newsom was, at one point in the past, related to Nancy Pelosi's brother-in-law through marriage, but the familial relation was distant. Furthermore, the marriage that linked the two families ended when Gavin was just ten years old.
Amidst these speculations, one question continues to be posed to Gavin Newsom -- Will he run for president in 2024? For months, Newsom unequivocally responded with a resounding "no." However, recent statements have left room for interpretation.
Gavin Newsom's political future
In an interview with '60 Minutes', Newsom was questioned about whether his efforts to address California's homelessness crisis could factor into a potential presidential run.
Newsom, who was elected as California's governor in 2018 and secured re-election for his second term in 2022, is set to leave office in January 2027.
"I'm never going to overpromise that in the short run. I mean, we are struggling in this state. Housing, and homelessness," Newsom replied. When pressed for a definitive answer, he insisted it was a "never-ending response."
Newsom's potential entry into the 2024 presidential race aligns with a noteworthy moment in Democratic Party politics. President Joe Biden, who emerged victorious in the 2020 election, is currently facing the GOP's front-runner, former president Donald Trump.
However, recent polls suggest that Biden's re-election might not be a foregone conclusion.
Despite this uncertain political landscape, Newsom has expressed his support for President Biden.
In a Politico interview published in November of the previous year, Newsom revealed that he had informed the White House of his intention to support Biden's re-election bid. "He not only beat Trump once, I think he can beat him again," Newsom said at the time.