Newsom’s Travel Funded by Corporate-Backed Foundation, Raising Access Concerns

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s international trips are largely funded by the California State Protocol Foundation, a nonprofit financed by corporate donations and run by a board he appoints, reducing taxpayer costs while sparking concerns that donors gain political access; the foundation covers travel and staff costs for trips including COP30 and Vatican appearances, with donors such as Centene, CVS, UC Berkeley, and the Hewlett Foundation.