California’s First Partner, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, drew attention this week after appearing in a Veterans Day video beside her husband, Governor Gavin Newsom. The couple delivered a message honoring U.S. veterans and their families, but what caught the eye was Siebel Newsom’s striking gold cross necklace.
Wearing a dark brown turtleneck and her blonde hair down, she spoke warmly about those who serve. “Today, we honor those who answer the call to serve: men and women whose courage has shaped every generation that has followed,” she said. “To our veterans and to every family who has loved and stood behind them, we thank you.”
The cross necklace immediately drew comparisons to Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, who is known for wearing a similar cross pendant as part of her daily wardrobe. Leavitt has previously said she wears it every day as a symbol of her faith, explaining, “I love Jesus and I believe my faith is the reason I’m here.”
Observers were quick to point out the similarity, suggesting Siebel Newsom might be reclaiming a symbol often associated with conservative women in politics. The large, gold-dipped pendant hung low around her neck, standing out as the most eye-catching part of her outfit.
Faith, Politics, and Symbolism
The cross is one of the most recognizable symbols of Christianity, but in American politics, it has also come to represent cultural identity. Conservative figures, including Leavitt, have made the cross a regular part of their public appearance, linking it with expressions of moral conviction.
Siebel Newsom’s decision to wear one in such a public setting was seen by some as a statement. The Newsoms, both lifelong Catholics, have often spoken about their faith, though their political positions—particularly on abortion rights and gender-affirming care—have drawn criticism from devout Catholics who see those stances as conflicting with traditional teachings.
In this context, her necklace choice took on added weight. It seemed to challenge the idea that displays of faith belong to one political side. The ornate pendant could be interpreted as Siebel Newsom’s way of reclaiming a religious symbol from partisan associations, making it a message of unity rather than division.
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From the Vatican to the Public Spotlight
Faith has always played a subtle but steady role in the Newsoms’ public life. Governor Gavin Newsom often references his Catholic upbringing and biblical values in his speeches. Over the weekend, he criticized Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert, and the Trump administration for their stance on food assistance programs. Quoting scripture, he said, “What’s the fundamental thing that connects every—from John to Matthew to Proverbs? It’s this notion of hunger, feeding the poor, the sick, the tired… it’s not an option, it’s central to advancing God’s will.”
Jennifer Siebel Newsom has also expressed her faith on the world stage. In May last year, she and her husband met Pope Francis during the Vatican Climate Summit. When the Pope passed away, she shared a tribute on social media, writing, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis. He led with quiet courage and steady faith.”
Beyond her faith, Siebel Newsom is known for her career as a filmmaker and actress. She married Gavin Newsom in 2008 and, years before that, briefly dated actor George Clooney.
Now, her Veterans Day appearance has turned into a talking point across social media. What began as a respectful tribute to military service became a viral discussion about faith, fashion, and symbolism in politics.
Her gold cross necklace, echoing that of Karoline Leavitt, stirred curiosity and debate—showing that sometimes, even a simple accessory can carry a powerful message.
