Gavin Newsom, who never misses a chance to call out the Donald Trump administration, has blasted Secretary of War Pete Hegseth for putting out a video of a helicopter flyover above the Indy 500 race. Newsom’s reaction has drawn a mixed response from netizens, with some questioning the former San Francisco Mayor for rising prices in California, while others criticized Hegseth for wasting taxpayer dollars.
Gavin Newsom criticizes Pete Hegseth for Indy 500 video
On May 24, the official social media account of the California Governor’s press office mocked the former TV personality for posting a video of Army Blackhawk helicopters cruising over race cars in the Indy 500 competition.
“Sir, we just want lower gas prices,” Gavin Newsom’s sarcastic reply read on X (formerly Twitter).
Notably, the helicopter maneuver was part of the “Pace Lap for America” campaign. It was organized in the build-up to the country’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Conducted by the Indiana Army National Guard members in the 38th Combat Aviation Brigade on Sunday, the flyover’s underlying purpose was to honor the US military.
In response to Newsom’s comment on Pete Hegseth, one X user turned the attention towards rising prices in the Democrat leader’s state. “California has the highest gas prices in the nation because it’s a choice Newsom and other democrats made. Highest gas taxes and fees in the country,” they wrote.
Another user shared a similar point, stating, “If YOU want lower gas prices for YOUR constituents, stop forcing the price higher with taxes on fuel, stop overregulating and chasing producers and refiners from your state. YES gas is higher everywhere, but not California high.”
Meanwhile, others called out Hegseth for not using taxpayer money for the citizens’ essential needs. “This is so embarrassing, boneheaded, and a ridiculous waste of taxpayer money. Whenever Pete is drunk, he likes to command Blackhawk helicopters to fly around. That’s why it happens so often,” critiqued one user.
A second user cleverly alluded to the Kid Rock helicopter drama, noting, “Nobody wastes taxpayer dollars more than Pete Hegseth. Did your guys pick up Kid Rock at his house again on the way?”
Notably, Pete Hegseth had flown the musician with him in a military helicopter last month. This resulted in sharp criticism from many, including Gavin Newsom. Nevertheless, the Secretary of War has yet to respond to the latest remarks against him.
Originally reported by Apoorv Rastogi on Mandatory.
