Newsom retracts ad touting California after X users point out foreign footage

California Governor Gavin Newsom recently faced backlash after posting an ad boasting about California’s economy and criticizing President Donald Trump’s tariffs. The ad, which was quickly deleted, used footage from Ukraine and Estonia instead of California, prompting criticism from social media users.

In the ad, Newsom claimed that Trump’s tariffs were harming American families and risking the nation’s status as the world’s leading economy. He also highlighted California’s economic success, noting that the state is now the fourth-largest economy globally.

However, internet users were quick to point out that the footage used in the ad was not actually filmed in California. The high-tech office and warehouse scenes featured in the ad were shot in Ukraine and Estonia, respectively. Despite the error, Newsom’s team replaced the foreign footage with shots from the United States.

Newsom, who has been rumored to have presidential aspirations, has been criticized for allegedly prioritizing his political ambitions over addressing issues in California. A recent survey found that a majority of California voters believe Newsom is more focused on his personal ambitions than on solving the state’s problems.

President Trump has expressed interest in Newsom running for president, but has criticized the governor’s handling of wildfires and other issues. Trump suggested that Newsom’s response to these crises could hurt his chances in a presidential race.

Overall, Newsom’s ad blunder highlights the challenges of balancing political ambitions with the responsibilities of governing. As Newsom navigates these challenges, his actions will continue to be scrutinized by both supporters and critics alike.

This article was contributed by Peter Pinedo, a politics writer for Fox News Digital.