Spanberger Cabinet Diversity Claim Draws Photo Criticism

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s claim that her Cabinet is the most diverse in the state’s history drew criticism after she posted a photograph of some Cabinet members, while her office said the image did not show the full Cabinet. Spanberger said the Cabinet’s members were chosen for their expertise and brought perspectives from across Virginia. The photograph prompted criticism from commentator Katie Miller, who noted that no white men appeared in the image, and Elon Musk, who accused Spanberger of racism and sexism toward white men. Those comments addressed the pictured group, not a complete roster of Cabinet members. A spokesperson for Spanberger’s office said the image came from a photo shoot for Richmond publication Style Weekly and was not a photograph of the entire Cabinet. Virginia’s official Cabinet page lists secretaries who do not appear in the image, including Secretary of Finance Mark D. Sickles and Secretary of Transportation Nick M. Donohue, as well as Secretary of Labor Jessica K. Looman, Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources David L. Bulova and Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Timothy P. Williams. The photograph alone does not establish the...