At the World Economic Forum in Davos, California Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticized world leaders for their handling of former President Donald Trump. He described them as “pathetic” for bending to Trump’s demands and suggested that they should have brought kneepads for their submissive behavior. Newsom called the situation “embarrassing,” urging leaders to “stop being complicit” and to “have a backbone” in their dealings with Trump.
Newsom’s comments came against the backdrop of tense international discussions surrounding Greenland, a strategic Arctic location. Trump had threatened tariffs on European allies until Denmark agreed to sell Greenland. This raised concerns as China has increased its activities in the Arctic region, making Greenland an important site for missile detection. European leaders were already debating how to respond, considering a “trade bazooka” as an anti-coercion measure, which reflects a need for “a new form of European independence.” Newsom highlighted that California’s progress in surpassing 2.5 million zero-emission vehicle sales showcases proactive leadership, contrasting sharply with global leaders’ hesitance in confronting Trump.
In characterizing Trump, Newsom compared him to a “T-Rex,” claiming he plays world leaders for fools. He stated that dealing with Trump often felt like a choice between “mating with him or being devoured.” Newsom warned that if European leaders did not unite, they risked being devoured themselves. He had previously predicted that leaders would pay a price for their inaction. The balance of power between federal and state governments in the U.S. serves as an example of how diverse leaders can share authority without conceding to undue influence.
Newsom pointed to specific examples of world leaders’ weaknesses, such as Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado gifting a Nobel Peace Prize to Trump, which he labeled as “pathetic.” He argued that these gestures only made leaders appear weak on the world stage and contributed to Trump’s aggressive posture.
In response to Newsom’s remarks, European leaders like Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron discussed the need for a new form of European independence. They warned against falling back into old patterns and even suggested possible sanctions against autocratic shifts.
Newsom’s message at Davos was clear: world leaders must confront abuses of power instead of enabling them.
