A viral video shared on X shows US Attorney Bill Essayli blaming California Governor Gavin Newsom for oversight of the state’s hospice system amid a massive fraud scandal. In the clip from a Fox News interview, Essayli states that it is the state that runs hospices, issues permits, and oversees medical providers, adding that the responsibility falls on Newsom and that “he should resign.” The post has sparked strong reactions online in California.
The video shows First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli speaking during a live television interview. In the footage, Essayli addresses California’s oversight of hospice facilities and states, “It’s the STATES that run hospices. It’s the STATE that issues permits to operate a hospice! He continues, “It’s the STATE that oversees the medical providers who are supposed to be providing medical treatment at the hospices…and that’s HIS function.” Essayli concludes that the responsibility rests with the governor, saying it is “on him” and that “HE SHOULD RESIGN.”
The accompanying post text frames Essayli’s remarks as a direct challenge to Governor Gavin Newsom. On-screen text in the video notes that California has revoked 280 hospice licenses out of 2,800 centers in the state. It is not clear from the clip alone what specific recent statements or actions by Newsom prompted Essayli’s comments at that moment, though the chyron references Newsom taking credit for his “part” in federal actions against alleged fraud.
How Californians Are Responding to the US Attorney’s Blunt Critique
Some commenters highlighted what they saw as hypocrisy in leadership following Essayli’s statements on state responsibility. One wrote, “So he ran the very programs he let get destroyed, and wants credit for ‘fixing’ it. Thank Trump. Gavin can never be president!”
Other users questioned Newsom’s fitness for higher office and called for stronger accountability in response to the accusations. A comment read, “Newscum is not fit to oversee Hospice at the state level but wants to be President?!? Failing up is the Democrat way. Look at Kamala Harris, who has “0” accomplishments in her long career!!!
Another stated, “And yet he and his wife are walking around freely! Arrest them!”
Additional responses expressed skepticism about whether any consequences would follow Essayli’s remarks. One observed, “Let me guess, he will NOT be arrested.”
Some viewers also connected the comments to broader concerns about governance in California. A user commented, “I can imagine California as a (damn near) utopia if not for the fraud and corruption that Governor Newsom has brought upon the state. The billions wasted on homelessness programs, the high-speed train to nowhere, and hospice scams. It’s a true shame.”
The clip has become part of a wider online conversation about state oversight of health care programs in California. Discussions continue as users and officials weigh Essayli’s statements against ongoing federal and state actions.
