Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new policy to teach teens about money sparked more than classroom chatter Saturday — drawing a scathing callout from fellow social media firebrand, Nick Shirley.
Newsom shared the plan social media, announcing that from the 2027-28 school year, California high schools will offer a standalone personal finance course. For the class of 2031, graduation even means completing it.
“Every Californian should leave high school with the tools to manage money, avoid debt, and build wealth,” the governor wrote.
However, Shirley’s leading response, short and sharp, hit the internet like a mic drop.
“@CAgovernor @JenSiebelNewsom Will you and the rest of your staff be taking this as well?” Shirley tweeted, delivering a direct jab at the governor’s new personal finance course for high schoolers.
The curriculum promises to cover everything from budgeting and credit to investing and career planning.
On top of that, Newsom is pairing the effort with initiatives aimed at boosting wealth-building opportunities for women, aiming to close long-standing gaps in access to capital.
Will you and the rest of your staff be taking this as well?
— Nick shirley (@nickshirleyy) March 21, 2026
Critics quickly amplified the question, pointing out a possible disconnect between preaching and practicing. Would Newsom and his team take the course themselves, they asked?
The pair have been clashing on social media recently because of Shirley’s investigations in California.
Shirley has built a reputation as a viral watchdog of government spending.
With Newsom California’s most high-profile, and polarizing leaders, the stage was set for a confrontation more confrontations beyond textbooks and lesson plans.
