Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) used the World Economic Forum in Davos to criticize President Donald Trump’s leadership, accusing European allies of appeasement and warning that traditional diplomacy does not work with the U.S. president.
Newsom Slams Trump Diplomacy At Davos
On Tuesday, Newsom escalated his criticism in a post on X, sharing an Associated Press post and writing that Trump was heading to Davos “to brag about wrecking the American economy.”
Newsom added that he had traveled to Switzerland himself “with an extra suitcase of kneepads for those caving to Trump’s insanity,” saying he was there to defend California “as an alternative to Trump’s world disorder.”
Newsom Says Europe ‘Rolling Over’ To Trump’s Tariffs
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the annual gathering in Switzerland, Newsom criticized European leaders for what he described as a lack of strength.
Newsom mocked world leaders for “rolling over,” saying he should have brought “a bunch of knee pads for all the world leaders,” and called their approach “pathetic” and embarrassing on the world stage.
He argued that Trump thrives on intimidation rather than negotiation, adding that the president is “unmoored” and operates by “the law of the jungle.”
The governor said European governments are being played for fools by believing quiet diplomacy will restrain Trump.
Newsom also warned that Trump’s use of military force and aggressive law enforcement tactics at home illustrated the dangers of appeasement abroad.
“This guy’s a wrecking ball,” he said. “This is code red.”
While sharing the clip on X, he wrote, “There’s no diplomacy with Donald Trump. Get off your knees and grow a spine.”
EU Leaders Push Back At Trump Tariff Threats
French President Emmanuel Macron sharply criticized President Trump at the WEF, saying Europe will not be intimidated by “bullies” and warning that yielding to tariff threats would lead to “vassalization,” reported Reuters.
Macron condemned Trump’s tariff threats and the release of private messages as unacceptable and said Europe will defend territorial sovereignty and the rule of law.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed the message on X, saying Arctic security requires cooperation and that additional tariffs between allies are a mistake.
She stressed that the EU and U.S. agreed to a trade deal last July, and “a deal is a deal,” adding that when friends shake hands, it must mean something.
Photo Courtesy: Sheila Fitzgerald on Shutterstock.com
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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