As California Governor Gavin Newsom positions himself as a potential Democratic frontrunner for the 2028 presidential election, his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, has increasingly become a focal point for conservative criticism. Her background as a documentary filmmaker and her outspoken advocacy for progressive causes have raised concerns about how her views might impact a potential Newsom presidency.

Conservative commentators have zeroed in on what they perceive as Siebel Newsom’s “woke” ideology and elitist tendencies. Researcher Kyle Tharp observed that conservative media outlets have been actively recirculating old footage of Siebel Newsom, often selectively edited to highlight what critics consider rambling and out-of-touch statements. These clips have been widely shared on social media and conservative news platforms, amplifying concerns about her suitability as a potential First Lady.

Figures like Megyn Kelly and Donald Trump Jr. have joined the chorus of criticism, using these clips to paint Siebel Newsom as emblematic of the perceived excesses of progressive activism. A columnist for the California Post went so far as to suggest that she is single-handedly undermining her husband’s presidential ambitions. Steve Hilton, a Republican candidate for California governor, has publicly derided the Newsoms as a “grifter family.”

Democratic strategist Mike Nellis attempts to downplay these attacks as mere political opportunism, arguing that Republicans are simply looking for a new line of attack against Gavin Newsom. However, conservatives contend that Siebel Newsom's views and actions are legitimate areas of concern, particularly given her potential role on the national stage. Her advocacy for gender equity and equal pay, while laudable to some, is viewed by others as an embrace of radical feminist ideology.

Siebel Newsom’s background as a documentary filmmaker has also drawn scrutiny. Her films, which often explore themes of masculinity and the representation of women in media, are viewed by some conservatives as promoting a divisive and anti-traditional agenda. Her decision to adopt the title “first partner” rather than the traditional “first lady” has also been criticized as a rejection of established norms and traditions.

Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics, notes that political spouses have increasingly become targets of political attacks. However, conservatives argue that Siebel Newsom’s outspokenness and advocacy make her a particularly vulnerable target, especially given the current political climate. They argue that her views are not representative of mainstream American values and that her potential influence on a Newsom administration is a legitimate concern.