California Gov. Gavin Newsom has reportedly distributed burner cell phones to around 100 top business leaders, ensuring they have direct access to him whenever needed.
Over the past few months, prominent CEOs have received prepaid cell phones, commonly referred to as "burners," along with personal notes from Newsom stating that he is "a phone call away," according to Politico.
While Newsom is already known for his direct communication style—often texting with industry leaders—this new initiative is an unprecedented effort to strengthen ties.
The initiative is reportedly aimed at reinforcing California's business-friendly image and keeping the state competitive as companies face increasing pressures to relocate to lower-tax, more regulation-friendly states like Texas and Florida. According to a spokesperson, the move has already led to "valuable interactions" between Newsom and business leaders.
To avoid taxpayer costs, the California Protocol Foundation, a nonprofit that funds gubernatorial expenses, covered the cost of the phones using business contributions and leftover inauguration funds.
While some view this as an innovative way to foster direct communication, others question the exclusivity of access granted to corporate executives.
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