Gavin Newsom’s recent trip to Germany came with a hefty price tag, funded through a little-known nonprofit managed by his long-time aides, as reported by the California Post.
The Munich Security Conference, an exclusive event held at two upscale hotels in Munich’s Old Town, features sessions focused on climate change and transatlantic relations. Newsom, who is eyeing a 2028 presidential run, is set to establish a partnership with Ukraine, mingle with world leaders and business figures, and have a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
This weekend jaunt is expected to cost six figures when you factor in flights, accommodations, and security, all covered by the California Protocol Foundation. This organization, funded by affluent donors—many of whom have business connections in the state—was initially created in 2002 as the Golden State Host Committee.
Currently overseen by Newsom’s close advisors, such as Steve Kawa, Jim Debou, and Jason Elliott, along with Sacramento Kings executive Matina Kolokotronis, the Protocol Foundation has amassed over $6.2 million for Newsom’s travel and events since he took office in 2019.
The funds support various activities, from policy summits to international trips, including visits to the Vatican and Mexico. Interestingly, during the pandemic, he used these funds to deliver the State of the Union address at Dodger Stadium—without an audience. Also, it covered the cost of burner phones he sent to leading tech CEOs, which came pre-loaded with messages for easy communication.
Many donors to the Protocol Foundation are involved in business dealings with the state and may be impacted by Newsom’s decisions. For example, CVS Pharmacy contributed $25,000 in 2024, while Zoox, a self-driving car firm, donated $30,000, in addition to $50,000 last year. The largest donations were $300,000 from the Hewlett Foundation for a delegation’s trip to China in 2023 and $220,000 from the University of California, Berkeley for a climate summit at the Vatican.
Izzy Gurdon, a spokesperson for the governor, stated that no taxpayer funds are involved in this trip to Europe.
The nonprofit reportedly spent nearly $250,000 on Newsom’s prior visit to the Vatican and for the inauguration of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Other contributors include the Sierra Health Foundation and the Ford Foundation, plus funds from Newsom’s 2023 Establishment Fund.
Over the past six years, while most donations went to specific events, the Protocol Foundation saw a surge in large donations last year aimed at “general operating support,” totaling about $375,000.
By early 2025, the organization found itself in financial trouble, having spent roughly $600,000 more than it brought in over the preceding two years, leaving a mere $7,790 in net funds.
The governor’s office didn’t disclose which luxury hotel he is staying at during his German visit, citing safety concerns, but did confirm that he would return to California in time for the President’s Day holiday.
