California Governor Gavin Newsom recently took aim at White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller during their encounter at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Newsom criticized Miller for refusing to make eye contact, branding him a “beta male” in a post shared by his press office on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter.
Both leaders are attending the prestigious summit to meet with global influencers, and Newsom’s social media engagement reflects a playful but pointed approach to political rivalry. “Stephen Miller refused to make eye contact with @CAGovernor Gavin Newsom backstage at Davos. Total beta!” the post read, emphasizing Newsom’s intention to mock Miller’s demeanor.
The term “beta male” is often used within certain circles to describe someone perceived as subordinate or lacking in dominance, contrasting with the contemporary ideal of the “alpha male.” This dynamic has notably captivated segments of the conservative movement, particularly among younger individuals.
In a follow-up post, Newsom continued his jab at Miller by sharing a photo of Customs and Border Protection chief Gregory Bovino dressed in a trench coat, which some social media users, including the governor, suggested carried “Nazi-coded” connotations. The post playfully asked, “Hey, Stephen—when are you going to start wearing one of Greg’s coats?”
Stephen Miller is a significant figure in the context of U.S. immigration policy, often associated with President Trump’s stringent deportation strategies. Controversy surrounds Miller not only for his policy decisions but also his Jewish heritage – a fact underscored by family members who have publicly criticized his actions as inconsistent with their shared history and values.
Newsom’s critiques of Miller surfaced amid a separate controversy regarding his own participation at Davos. Reports indicated that pressure from the White House led to the cancellation of Newsom’s scheduled appearance at an event hosted by USA House. The governor’s office stated, “Under pressure from the White House and State Department, USA House is now denying entry to @CAGovernor Gavin Newsom.” In contrast, the White House denied any involvement in the matter, with spokesperson Anna Kelly dismissively referring to Newsom as “third-rate governor Newscum.”
This exchange highlights the ongoing political tensions between Democratic leaders and the Trump administration, with public personalities employing social media as a battleground for critique and engagement. Newsom’s lighthearted yet cutting remarks exemplify the modern political landscape’s penchant for confrontational dialogue, particularly during high-profile gatherings like the World Economic Forum.