Newsom PAC Spent $1.5 Million On Bulk Memoir Purchases

A political action committee backing California Gov. Gavin Newsom spent $1.5 million buying thousands of copies of his memoir to boost sales. The spending came through Newsom-aligned political committees that bought copies in bulk, which can boost a book's ranking and perceived popularity. Fox News reported the purchases totaled about $1.5 million and described them as aimed at "juicing" sales figures.

The purchases have prompted questions about whether political contributions should be used to promote a candidate's personal brand. Some critics pointed to the potential for bulk buys to manipulate bestseller lists and to blur the line between campaign spending and personal benefit. Social media reaction included derisive posts and calls for disclosure, reflecting broader concerns about transparency in political fundraising.