Who pays for Newsom's travel? Hint: It's not always taxpayers - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Melody Gutierrez

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s international travel expenses are not paid by taxpayers but by the California State Protocol Foundation, a nonprofit funded primarily by corporate donations. The foundation is overseen by a board appointed by Newsom, raising concerns about potential influence from corporate donors. This arrangement allows the state to avoid using taxpayer funds for such trips, but critics argue it creates opportunities for corporate interests to gain access to policymakers. The foundation has been in place since 2004 under Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and has evolved over time, with current board members including individuals closely tied to Newsom’s inner circle. In recent years, the foundation has covered significant expenses for Newsom’s travels, such as his trips to Italy, Mexico City, China, and Miami for the Super Bowl. These costs include flights, hotels, and meals during official diplomatic visits aimed at advancing California’s global influence on climate change and other issues. While the foundation claims its mission is to reduce the financial burden on taxpayers by covering expenses related to the state’s economic and diplomatic interests, critics worry about the lack of transparency in how funds are allocated. The arrangement has drawn scrutiny from watchdog groups, who argue that donors to the foundation gain access to politicians whose travel they effectively fund. This raises questions about whether corporate contributions could influence policy decisions or international agreements. The history of the protocol foundation dates back to Gov. George Deukmejian in the 1980s and was significantly expanded under Gov. Gray Davis in the early 2000s. Its role has been a bipartisan tool for managing travel expenses, but its current structure under Newsom’s appointees has sparked debates about accountability. Despite its stated goal of relieving taxpayer burden, critics see it as another avenue for corporate influence in state governance. This issue matters because it highlights the delicate balance between fiscal responsibility and potential conflicts of interest. As California continues to assert itself on the global stage through its governor’s international travels, questions about who funds these efforts and how decisions are made will likely remain a topic of public concern. Transparency in funding sources and decision-making processes is crucial to maintaining trust in government operations.

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/14/2026