The World Economic Forum in Switzerland became an unexpected battleground as California Governor Gavin Newsom directly challenged the policies and persona of former President Donald Trump. Newsom’s presence in Davos wasn’t a quiet one; it quickly ignited a flurry of attention and criticism, transforming the typically reserved forum into a stage for pointed political commentary.
Newsom wasted no time in voicing his disapproval, initially suggesting world leaders interacting with Trump should have “brought a bunch of kneepads.” He characterized their deference as “pathetic,” urging them to demonstrate greater resistance to the White House’s agenda. The governor painted a stark picture of engagement with Trump, likening it to a primal dynamic: “He’s a T.rex. You mate with him, or he devours you.”
His remarks rapidly circulated online, drawing both outrage and amusement. Critics labeled his comments as a “meltdown,” while others questioned the appropriateness of such pointed criticism on international soil. Commentator Stephen A. Smith argued that domestic political disputes should be set aside when representing the nation abroad, emphasizing a need for unity on the world stage.
The controversy deepened with a photograph shared by Alex Soros, a prominent donor, showing him alongside Newsom. Soros’ caption praised Newsom for “calling out world leaders” and warned against appeasement, further fueling the narrative of a direct confrontation with the former president’s approach. This image became a focal point for conservative backlash.
Trump officials responded swiftly, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent offering a particularly scathing comparison, describing Newsom as “Patrick Bateman meets Sparkle Beach Ken.” The criticism extended to Newsom’s lifestyle, highlighting perceived hypocrisy given his past actions during pandemic lockdowns. White House spokespersons dismissed Newsom’s ambitions, suggesting his presidential aspirations were unrealistic.
Adding another layer to the conflict, Newsom claimed he was barred from speaking at an event within “USA House,” the official U.S. pavilion, alleging White House interference. His office asserted the denial of access came “under pressure” from the State Department, a claim the White House countered by questioning Newsom’s priorities, suggesting he should focus on issues within California.
During Trump’s address to the forum, Newsom was visibly present, and a moment of him appearing to smirk was widely captured and circulated. Trump himself acknowledged Newsom’s presence, offering a seemingly conciliatory remark about past collaboration and a willingness to help California, though the gesture felt overshadowed by the ongoing tension.
Newsom escalated the visual rhetoric, producing a pair of “Trump signature series kneepads” during a session, a pointed jab at the perceived subservience of other world leaders. He defended the prop as a way to highlight the “absurdity” of the situation, acknowledging the heightened personal attacks from the Trump camp as evidence of his impact.
Newsom asserted that the Trump administration was preoccupied with him, stating, “The affordability agenda appears to be I’m living rent-free in the Trump administration’s head.” The exchange underscored a deeply personal and increasingly public rivalry playing out on a global stage, far removed from the traditional diplomatic tone of the World Economic Forum.
