NEWSOM'S $200K INSULT: Staffer Who Cursed Reporter Lives Large on YOUR Dime!

A staffer for California’s governor ignited a firestorm this week with a blunt, expletive-laden response to a journalist’s inquiry. Isaac “Izzy” Gardon, a longtime aide, told a national reporter to “respectfully, f--- off” after she questioned the governor’s publicly known dyslexia diagnosis.

The exchange occurred as the governor was promoting a new book, and interest in his dyslexia had resurfaced. During a book tour stop, he offered a seemingly relatable anecdote, stating he was “a 960 SAT guy,” a comment that drew criticism for appearing to pander to a specific audience.

The reporter’s attempt to verify the details of the governor’s childhood diagnosis prompted Gardon’s sharp retort, quickly escalating into a broader debate about civility and political communication. Critics pointed to a perceived hypocrisy, noting similarities between the governor’s team’s tactics and those often employed by figures they publicly condemn.

Gardon didn’t back down, dismissing the reporter as a “MAGA blogger” focused on conspiracy theories. This further fueled the controversy, with observers questioning the appropriateness of such language from a high-level staffer.

Public records reveal Gardon’s ascent within the governor’s office has been accompanied by a significant increase in compensation. Starting as an administrative assistant earning around $30,000 in 2019, his current salary has climbed to $212,154.02 in 2024, including benefits and additional pay.

This isn’t the first instance of Gardon’s combative online presence drawing scrutiny. Another reporter received a dismissive response, with Gardon derisively referring to the New York Post as a “New York Comic Book” and grouping the San Francisco Chronicle with it.

While some within the governor’s inner circle have defended Gardon’s approach, praising his “creativity and imagination,” others have expressed strong disapproval. A prominent Democratic donor publicly labeled him “the most unprofessional person to ever work in politics,” citing shame brought upon the campaign.

Adding to the controversy, Gardon recently used highly offensive language on social media when referring to a rapper and political activist, defending his post by referencing the title of one of her songs. The incident underscores a pattern of aggressive communication that has now placed him squarely in the center of a political storm.