Right-Wing Influencer Critiques California’s Streets Following Newsom’s Remarks

LOS ANGELES — Benny Johnson, a prominent right-wing figure, intensified his ongoing feud with California Governor Gavin Newsom. He shared a video depicting what he described as a “Third World hellscape” in the Los Angeles area. This follows a recent sarcastic comment from Newsom regarding Johnson, who is married, using the dating app Grindr.

In his post on X, Johnson questioned, “This cost $24 billion? Are you proud of this?” alongside footage of a person cycling through Skid Row.

He asserted, “California in the Gavin era was a Third World hellscape.”

The video, named “Riding Los Angeles at Night,” was initially created by YouTuber John Hicks, who rides through various neighborhoods and documents the conditions he encounters. In the footage, Hicks captures scenes of litter and urban decay.

The video gained about 250,000 views on TikTok before Johnson shared it on X, leading to a surge of over 800,000 views.

This exchange occurred after Newsom’s office countered circulating claims that the state had “lost” $24 billion in its fight against homelessness.

Newsom responded, accusing Johnson of sharing misinformation. Allegedly, Johnson has been financially supported by wealthy contributors to amplify his pro-Trump rhetoric. The governor touted a reported 9% decline in homelessness across California.

Newsom stated, “The same Benny Johnson who was exposed today in the WSJ for accepting funds from Russia and receiving backing from billionaires to promote false narratives is now spreading debunked misinformation.” He reiterated the decline in unsheltered homelessness.

Johnson retorted with a fierce response, holding Newsom accountable for years of decline while benefiting his political connections.

He wrote, “You’ve been in office for 28 years promising solutions. Has California gotten better or worse since then?”

This spat marks the latest in their ongoing conflict that reignited earlier this month. Johnson remarked, “The fraud revealed in Minnesota was exceptionally egregious. But Gavin Newsom’s California is worse.”

Johnson stated his intention to visit the state to investigate alleged financial fraud concerning homelessness funding.

In turn, Newsom’s press office quipped about checking on Grindr’s servers, a comment that received mixed reactions and was labeled homophobic by some. This jab seemingly references online accusations that the dating app was taken down during a conservative event.

Johnson said he plans to sue those who have “maliciously defamed” him.