Podcaster Joe Rogan recently voiced his disapproval of California Governor Gavin Newsom, directing some criticism towards independent journalist Nick Shirley. Rogan believes that Shirley is taking on responsibilities that, in his view, the government has neglected.
Shirley, a young YouTuber known for his independent investigations, attracted widespread attention with a recent probe in Minnesota, where he accused state-funded childcare programs of engaging in fraudulent activities. He has since turned his focus to California, targeting similar schemes.
In response, Newsom’s office responded with what seemed to be a mocking jab at Shirley’s investigations. They posted an AI-generated image depicting a man with multiple cameras in a daycare and asking a teacher, “Can I see the kids?”
During his podcast, Rogan brought up this incident, asking his guests whether they had seen what Newsom’s office shared. “They created a meme-like depiction of Nick Shirley peering into a window,” he noted.
Rogan then rhetorically questioned Newsom’s mocking stance, suggesting, “He’s actually performing your job by exposing fraud. And you choose to ridicule him?” Comedian Mark Normand chimed in, agreeing that Newsom should be acknowledging the issues being raised, saying, “As the governor, you should respond, rather than attempting to dodge accountability.”
Rogan emphasized that, if officials genuinely cared, they would start investigating these allegations right away instead of trying to belittle those who bring them to light. “They just want to sweep it under the rug and tarnish whoever speaks out,” he added, noting how critics might label such individuals in negative ways.
Shirley, for his part, criticized Newsom’s response, stating, “I’m trying to help eliminate fraud and waste here. You don’t have to vilify me for highlighting these issues. The people want results, not mockery.”
Shortly after this exchange, Shirley posted a video on his blog entitled “Investigating California’s Billion Dollar Fraud Crisis.” In the video, he revealed that he had uncovered over $170 million in fraud in California, claiming that those behind the scams were living lavishly without consequence. “Scams need to be put to an end,” he urged viewers.
Attempts to reach Newsom’s office for a response were met with silence.
