California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton posted a video on X comparing diaper prices at a Target store to those in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new statewide free diaper program.
In the clip, Hilton questions the cost to taxpayers of providing 400 diapers per newborn through a state contract with a nonprofit, noting the per-diaper figure in the government initiative versus retail shelves in California. The post has drawn significant online attention and divided opinions on government spending for the program.
As you can see above, Hilton stands in a Target store aisle surrounded by shelves of diaper packages and speaks directly to the camera. He points to retail pricing and compares the cost of diapers available for purchase in stores to those provided through Gov. Gavin Newsom’s statewide free diaper program.
According to the post, Hilton titled his video with the question: “How much are diapers at Target compared to Gavin Newsom’s government diapers ‘paid for by YOUR taxes’?” In the clip, he states that the government program uses $20 million in taxpayer funds to provide 400 diapers per newborn at an effective rate of 50 cents each, while store options are shown at around 16 cents per diaper. The clip also includes news headlines referencing the state’s partnership with the nonprofit Baby2Baby and questions the approach of routing funds through the organization rather than direct aid.
Online Responses to Hilton’s Video on Newsom’s Diaper Program
Some users agreed with Hilton’s criticism of the program’s cost, with one writing, “Nothing is free, let alone if @GavinNewsom is involved. Taxpayer money going to his friends’ NGO to pay for overpriced diapers is yet another example of the corruption within this state.”
Another described it as “yet another example of how politicians waste our tax dollars to make themselves and their NGO pals more wealthy.” A third comment contrasted political perspectives, noting that “a conservative immediately sees the waste in our tax dollars” while a liberal focuses on the idea of something being “free.”
Other responses questioned Hilton directly or offered corrections. One commenter wrote, “Why isn’t your [expletive] doing anything to help instead of running around [expletive] like an old crybaby!” while another pointed out factual differences, stating, “You can’t even get basic facts correct. 1) There were 400,000 births last year (not 100,000). 2) This cost $7.5 million (not $20 million).”
Some expressed support for his candidacy, with one saying, “The real possibility of Steve Hilton as governor of California and Spencer Pratt as mayor of Los Angeles has me absolutely giddy. Love it! Keep going!”
The video has become part of a broader online debate over government spending and taxpayer-funded programs in California. As Hilton continues his campaign for governor, the clip adds another flashpoint to the ongoing discussion about state priorities and fiscal accountability.
