During the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, California Governor Gavin Newsom made headlines following some pointed remarks directed at former President Donald Trump. Their interactions during the event have prompted discussions regarding Newsom’s political future and ambitions for the 2028 presidential election.
Trump’s Remarks and Newsom’s Response
While addressing the crowd, Trump claimed to have had a good rapport with Newsom during his presidency. He remarked, “Gavin is a good guy,” as he called for support to “help the people in California.” This moment caught the attention of attendees, with cameras capturing Newsom smiling in response.
In response to Trump’s speech, Newsom labeled it “remarkably boring” and criticized its lack of substance. He noted that the demands made for the U.S. to acquire Greenland, including implied military threats, were unrealistic and reflective of Trump’s anxiety, especially among business leaders present at Davos.
Accusations of Blocked Access
Following the speech, Newsom’s team accused the Trump administration of preventing him from attending an event organized by Fortune at the USA House in Davos. They tweeted, “BREAKING: Under pressure from the White House and State Department, USA House is denying entry to @CAGovernor Gavin Newsom.” This claim was met with a dismissive response from the White House, which stated that Newsom, referred to derogatorily as “third-rate governor Newscum,” was irrelevant at the event.
Fortune clarified that the decision to exclude Newsom was made by USA House, not directly influenced by the Trump administration.
Political Tensions at Davos
Newsom did not limit his criticisms to Trump. He expressed discontent over the behavior of world leaders at the forum, stating they were too submissive. “This is pathetic,” he declared, referencing the awards being handed out to leaders present. Newsom’s comments reflect a bold stance amid global discussions, seeking to position himself as a significant player on the political stage.
Comparing Approaches: Newsom’s Humor vs. Trump’s Style
Interestingly, Newsom’s social media strategy has mirrored Trump’s, utilizing humor and sharp jabs to engage audiences. Last year, he noted the effectiveness of humor in addressing Trump’s actions, stating, “We put a mirror up to Trump.” His playful yet critical approach aims to resonate with voters disillusioned by current political tendencies.
Other 2028 Contenders in Attendance
Newsom was not the only figure with presidential ambitions present in Davos. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear also participated in discussions. Following Newsom, Beshear condemned Trump’s speech as “dangerous” and “embarrassing,” highlighting a growing concern among Democratic leaders regarding Trump’s influence on the global stage.
The dynamics between Trump and Newsom at Davos raise questions about their ongoing rivalry and the implications for the upcoming presidential race in 2028. As both politicians continue to position themselves, the world’s eyes remain on their evolving narratives and the impact they may have on American politics.
