California Governor Gavin Newsom recently faced a significant setback at the World Economic Forum in Davos. His scheduled entry to speak at the US pavilion was blocked, an event he described as influenced by the Trump administration.
Details of the Incident
Newsom had planned to deliver remarks on Wednesday, as part of his participation in the World Economic Forum. He was invited by Fortune, the event’s media partner, to engage with the press. However, shortly before the event, his access was denied by representatives of the USA House, which serves as the official US pavilion.
Pressure from the Trump Administration
The Governor’s office claimed that this denial stemmed from “pressure from the White House and State Department.” At approximately 3 p.m. local time, a representative from the USA House informed Newsom’s team that his remarks did not fit the day’s programming.
- Trump Administration officials had already spoken at the USA House, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
- Bessent criticized Newsom, labeling him “economically illiterate” and deeming him “worse than Kamala.”
Alternative Options and Newsom’s Response
In lieu of his planned remarks, the USA House extended an invitation for Newsom to attend a “nightcap reception” later that evening. Frustrated by the events, Newsom took to social media to express his discontent.
Comments on Trump’s Speech
Earlier that day, President Trump had delivered a speech at the forum, which Newsom publicly deemed “boring.” Reports from the event indicated that the audience’s reaction was less than enthusiastic, with Newsom claiming some attendees might have fallen asleep if not for their phones. The Governor criticized Trump for his condescending tone, stating, “Had there not been cellphones, I think a few people would have passed out from boredom.”
White House’s Stance
Responding to the incident, Anna Kelly, a White House spokeswoman, dismissed Newsom’s prominence, stating, “No one in Davos knows who third-rate governor Newscum is or why he is frolicking around Switzerland instead of fixing the many problems he created in California.”
The events in Davos highlight ongoing tensions between Newsom and the Trump administration, setting the stage for further political discourse to unfold during and after the World Economic Forum.
