Florida CFO: Gavin Newsom 'Lies Through His Teeth,' Dismantles California Economy

Florida's chief financial officer, Jimmy Patronis, lambasted Gavin Newsom's leadership in California, accusing the governor of "the greatest disrespect of taxpayer's resources in the history of America" and blaming him for the state's economic woes.

Florida's chief financial officer, Jimmy Patronis, has launched a scathing attack on California Governor Gavin Newsom, accusing him of "lying through his teeth" and presiding over an economic catastrophe in the Golden State.

Patronis, a Republican, pointed to Newsom's proposed budget, which includes cuts to public safety funding, as a testament to the governor's misguided priorities. He argued that the cuts will only exacerbate California's crime problem and drive more businesses out of the state.

"What's happening in California is just the greatest disrespect of taxpayer's resources in the history of America," Patronis told Fox News Digital. "They're in a panic. They're in a free fall. They're looking for money to make up this enormous budget deficit they've got right now."

Newsom's budget proposes slashing $97 million from trial court operations, $10 million from the Department of Justice's Division of Law Enforcement, and more than $80 million from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. A Newsom spokesperson initially denied any cuts to law enforcement, but an official later acknowledged a 1.6% reduction in the Department of Justice's overall proposed budget.

Patronis attributed California's budget deficit to an exodus of businesses and residents, which he blamed on the state's high crime rate and burdensome environmental regulations. A recent United Van Lines study found that California experienced the largest net loss of one-way movers, while a Chapman University study concluded that the state's green energy policies have stifled blue-collar businesses.

Despite California's economic struggles, Newsom has proposed diverting funds to climate goals, including $1.7 billion for "equity programs." Patronis criticized this spending as misplaced and argued that it will do little to address the state's pressing problems.

"They're in a panic. They're in a free fall. They're looking for money to make up this enormous budget deficit they've got right now," Patronis said.

Patronis contrasted California's economic woes with Florida's recent budget surpluses, which he attributed to Governor Ron DeSantis's focus on public safety and economic growth. Florida has offered incentives to businesses and law enforcement officers to relocate to the state, a move that Patronis believes is a direct result of Newsom's failures in California.

Patronis also raised concerns about Newsom's national ambitions, speculating that the governor may have presidential aspirations. He accused Newsom of being a skilled liar who would not hesitate to deceive the American people if he were given the opportunity.

"I would hate to ever see somebody with that type of a deliberate mindset to be in charge of our country's economy," Patronis said.

Patronis's comments reflect a growing sense of polarization between Florida and California, two states that have taken vastly different approaches to governing. Florida's focus on conservatism and limited government has led to economic growth, while California's embrace of progressive policies has resulted in a host of challenges, including a large budget deficit and a high crime rate.

As the two states continue on their divergent paths, their economic fortunes are likely to diverge even further. Florida is poised for continued growth under DeSantis's leadership, while California's future under Newsom remains uncertain.