Few political spectacles are more revealing than a press conference that veers off script. What was meant to be a victory lap for California Democrats quickly turned into a viral moment that had little to do with policy and everything to do with tone.
Jennifer Siebel Newsom — styled as California’s “First Partner” — joined Gov. Gavin Newsom as he signed legislation allocating $90 million in emergency funding to Planned Parenthood. The event was framed as a forceful response to federal shifts affecting abortion funding, including changes to Medicaid reimbursements. Surrounded by Democratic lawmakers and abortion-rights advocates, the governor declared that California “values women, their choices, and their fundamental right to health care,” positioning the state as a firewall against what supporters describe as national retrenchment.
Wow—
Jenifer Siebel Newsom—CA’s First Partner and Gov’s wife— scolds California Capitol press corps for not asking on topic questions at a Planned Parenthood press conference.
“You don’t seem to care.”
Most of the journalists in the room —repping AP to NY Times —were women. pic.twitter.com/I59M0Kvl0j
— Ashley Zavala (@ZavalaA) February 11, 2026
The political messaging was clear: California would continue underwriting access to abortion services regardless of federal headwinds.
But the tone shifted when members of the press asked questions that extended beyond the bill signing. Instead of focusing solely on the Planned Parenthood funding, reporters raised other policy and political issues. That prompted an emotional rebuke from Jennifer Newsom.
This is ridiculous. Journalists ask questions, and while you can dictate your answer, you can't control the questions people ask.
If you don't want to be asked questions, write a news release with some canned quotes and be done with it. 🤷♀️ https://t.co/pEJfPhjtsl
— Byrhonda Lyons (@ByrhondaLyons) February 11, 2026
She expressed disbelief that more questions were not centered on what she characterized as a defining women’s issue, suggesting that the media’s line of questioning reflected a broader indifference to what she described as a “war on women.” Her remarks, delivered in front of a largely female press corps, quickly drew attention online.
Observers noted Gov. Newsom’s visible discomfort during the exchange. According to Sacramento-area reporter Ashley Zavala, the governor did not echo his wife’s frustration and continued taking off-topic questions afterward. The contrast between the First Partner’s reprimand and the governor’s decision to proceed underscored the moment’s awkwardness.
Gov. Gavin Newsom told reporters today he reached out to Casey Wasserman’s team and said he looks forward to talking with him amid Epstein files fall out.@LaurelRosenhall asked First Partner Jenifer Siebel Newsom if she had any comment on the situation, she did not. pic.twitter.com/CGSc8eIikV
— Ashley Zavala (@ZavalaA) February 11, 2026
The reaction did not stop there. Reporters and commentators took to social media to critique what they saw as an attempt to control the narrative of a public press event. The role of journalists, after all, is not to reinforce a political message but to question it — especially when taxpayer dollars are involved.
Complicating matters further, when asked about unrelated controversies — including questions surrounding the Epstein files — Jennifer Newsom declined to comment. That juxtaposition fueled criticism from detractors who argued that selective engagement undermines claims of principled advocacy.
The way you cared your husband's secretary, @JenSiebelNewsom? You know, his best friend's wife?
"but i am not going to blindly support a woman who has cheated on her husband multiple times and watch while my boyfriend is the only one who gets punished..and, what, for something a… https://t.co/uj9q7xoxXQ pic.twitter.com/IBQ6AEiHOu
— Jennifer Van Laar (@jenvanlaar) February 12, 2026