ROOKE: There’s Something Smelly About Gavin Newsom’s Free Diaper Giveaway

Photo by Miikka Skaffari/Getty Images for Baby2Baby

Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the state’s “Golden State Start,” a new program that provides every family with a newborn 400 free diapers.

In the first year, the program would serve families at 65 to 75 hospitals, primarily low-income patients, and cover about 25 percent of the state’s roughly 400,000 annual births, according to AP News. Initial funding included $7.4 million already allocated and another $12.5 million proposed, for a total commitment of approximately $20 million.

“Every baby born in California deserves a healthy start in life — and that means making sure parents have the basics they need from day one,” Newsom said.

FREE DIAPERS COMING THIS SUMMER! pic.twitter.com/r535qQeHS4 — Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) May 8, 2026

FREE DIAPERS COMING THIS SUMMER! pic.twitter.com/r535qQeHS4

— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) May 8, 2026

California partnered with the Los Angeles nonprofit Baby2Baby to manufacture and distribute the diapers under the Golden State Start brand. Newsom positioned the effort alongside existing initiatives like free school meals and preschool expansion, emphasizing support for parents from day one. Baby2Baby’s co-CEOs highlighted the program as California setting a new standard for maternal and infant care. (Sign up for Mary Rooke’s weekly newsletter here!)

Questions quickly arose about the program’s design, costs, and especially the connections between Baby2Baby and Newsom’s circle. Rather than issuing vouchers, gift cards, or direct cash assistance that families could use at any retailer, the state chose to........

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