By Reagan Steele – Business & Economic Policy Writer

CLAIM: On a recent appearance on The Shawn Ryan Show podcast, Gov. Gavin Newsom said the idea that people and businesses are leaving California in large numbers is “complete bullsh*t.”

REALITY: That’s a bold claim for a man whose state has been bleeding residents, businesses, and tax revenue like a stuck pig for over a decade.

Here’s what the facts say:

• Population Decline:
  • California lost over 500,000 residents between 2020 and 2023.
  • According to U.S. Census data, California saw net negative domestic migration every year since 2010 — meaning more Americans are leaving than moving in.
  • In 2021 alone, over 360,000 more people left the state than moved in.
• U-Haul Index:
  • U-Haul’s own migration reports show California at the bottom of the rankings for “inbound” moves.
  • For multiple years in a row, it’s been one of the top outbound states — which means if you wanted to rent a U-Haul to leave California, good luck. You were paying more than folks moving to it.
• Business Exodus:
  • Oracle, Tesla, Hewlett-Packard, and Schwab moved headquarters out of state.
  • More than 360 major companies have left since 2008 — many citing taxes, regulations, and cost of living.
  • Texas, Florida, and Tennessee are the top destinations.
• Tax Base Shrinkage:
  • The top 1% of earners make up nearly 50% of state income tax revenue. When even a few high-income earners leave, the state feels it.
  • And they are leaving — IRS migration data shows high earners disproportionately moving out.
• Cost of Living & Quality of Life:
  • Median home prices in many CA metros are over $800,000.
  • Crime, homelessness, and overregulation are among the top concerns for exiting residents.

Conclusion:
Newsom can spin it all he wants, but the receipts don’t lie. California is losing people and businesses. They’re not all MAGA voters either — plenty of independents and even Democrats are packing up, sick of the bullshit.

Verdict: 🗑️🗑️🗑️🗑️🗑️ – Five Garbage Cans.
This claim stinks. Literally no part of it passes the sniff test.