Steve Hilton, a candidate for California governor, criticized Governor Gavin Newsom for a $20 million diaper program, saying it costs taxpayers three times more than store prices.

Hilton said in a video, 'Gavin Newsom is taking $20 million to send 100,000 babies 400 diapers, which is $0.50 per diaper. We checked Target and found a box of diapers for $15.62, which is $0.16 per diaper.'

Hilton filmed the video in a Target store, comparing retail prices to the state program's costs. The program will give diaper supplies to low-income families.

Newsom's 'Golden State Start' promises 400 free diapers per baby as California deals with budget problems.

Steve Hilton questions Governor Newsom's $20 million diaper initiative, saying it costs taxpayers three times more per diaper than store prices.

Hilton said, 'Gavin Newsom's diapers are three times more expensive. Why is it three times more expensive to send diapers to 100,000 babies than to just give the money to the parents?'

Hilton accused the Newsom administration of sending funds through connected nonprofit groups.

Hilton said, 'He is sending money to a nonsense nonprofit, which his friends will profit from.'

Businessman Marcus Lemonis commented on the debate, saying 'Math always wins'.

Lemonis wrote, 'Math always wins.'

Newsom was confronted about California being the state with the highest cost of living in the US.

Steve Hilton questions Governor Newsom's $20 million diaper initiative, saying it costs taxpayers three times more per diaper than store prices.

Fox News contributor Joey Jones criticized the initiative, saying California families face bigger affordability problems.

Jones said, 'If Democrats really care, make it easier to raise a family in California. Don't charge extra for gas because it's special California gas.'

Jones also criticized other state spending priorities while discussing the diaper initiative.

Jones said, 'Don't spend $100 million on a land bridge for California cougars. Focus on real problems, not just putting a Band-Aid on them.'

Duffy mocked Newsom's 'bridges to nowhere' as California wildlife crossing overruns by $21 million.

Retired Marine Joey Jones argues California should focus on lowering the cost of living for families, not expanding government programs.

Republican candidate Melissa Bailey accused Democrats of using taxpayer money inefficiently.

Bailey wrote, 'There's no such thing as a free diaper. Taxpayers are paying for California's new free diaper program.'

Bailey said, 'Democrats do this every time. Gavin Newsom is stealing taxpayer money, laundering it to a nonprofit, to buy diapers at $.50 each.'

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Fox News Digital reached out to Governor Newsom for comment but did not receive a response.

CJ Womack is an associate editor at Fox News.

CJ joined Fox News Digital in 2026 and has years of experience analyzing and reporting on the news media.

CJ graduated from Long Beach State University in 2025 with a degree in Political Science and Journalism.

Story tips can be sent to cj.womack@fox.com, and you can follow on Twitter.