California Governor Gavin Newsom has once again positioned himself as a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, this time at the Munich Security Conference, just a month after his noteworthy remarks in Davos. During the conference, Newsom advocated for European allies to resist what he described as the chaotic actions of the Trump administration.
Highlighting California’s commitment to climate initiatives despite federal rollbacks, Newsom participated in a panel discussion focused on climate change. He responded to an audience query about countering the Trump administration’s policies by stating, “I’m showing up,” which elicited applause from the attendees.
Newsom did not shy away from calling out Trump directly, asserting that “Donald Trump is doubling down on stupid,” and emphasized California’s longstanding leadership in climate policy dating back to Ronald Reagan. With a pointed remark, he declared, “Never in the history of the United States of America has there been a more destructive president than the current occupant in the White House.”
Addressing the impact of climate change on future elections, he urged listeners to recognize the scientific realities of the environmental crisis. “You may not believe in science, but you got to believe your own eyes,” he noted, citing observable phenomena like severe droughts and historic wildfires.
Newsom also remarked on the political landscape in California, acknowledging its predominantly Democratic sway but emphasizing that there are more Republicans in the state than in many conservative regions. He underscored that climate change transcends partisan divisions: “There is just reality,” he stated.
As he prepares for another session on transatlantic relations, Newsom’s antithesis of Trump is evident. The former president is not attending the Munich conference, delegating Secretary of State Marco Rubio to represent the U.S. A number of potential 2028 presidential candidates are present, including New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego.
In his previous appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Newsom criticized European leaders for yielding to Trump’s demands, suggesting they “should have brought a bunch of knee pads.” He expressed concern over Trump’s actions potentially damaging the U.S.’s global reputation and economic influence, calling those actions “petty” and claiming they do not reflect rational decision-making.
As Newsom continues to challenge Trump’s policies on an international stage, his focus on climate and bipartisanship seems aimed at fostering a collaborative approach to tackling pressing global issues, positioning California as a beacon of progressive governance in contrast to the former president’s administration.