Newsom Fires Back At Trump In Fiery Davos Speech

Introduction to the World Economic Forum

The World Economic Forum, held in Davos, Switzerland, is an annual gathering of global leaders, including politicians, business executives, and thought leaders. In 2026, California Governor Gavin Newsom took center stage, delivering a sharp critique of former President Donald Trump and his impact on the global order.

Newsom’s Critique of Trump

Newsom did not hold back in his criticism of Trump, describing him as "an invasive species" and "a wrecking ball president." He emphasized that Trump’s presidency has caused significant damage to the global order, but rejected the idea that this damage is permanent. According to Newsom, international relationships are "in dormancy" but not dead. He also criticized American politicians and CEOs for failing to stand up to Trump, waving red kneepads at the audience to symbolize their unwillingness to take a stand.

Defense of Social Media Tactics

Newsom defended his combative use of social media, stating that it is necessary to expose the absurdity of Trump’s actions. He acknowledged that his approach may not be becoming, but argued that it is necessary to "put a mirror up to this" and call out the deviation from normalcy. Newsom’s philosophy is to point out the absurdity and not to engage in personal attacks, but to use social media to highlight the issues and spark a conversation.

The Feud Between Newsom and Trump

The back-and-forth between Newsom and members of Trump’s circle was on full display at Davos. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent compared Newsom to a fictional serial killer and a "Sparkle Beach Ken" doll, prompting Newsom to retort that the secretary’s comments were unprofessional and childish. The feud between Newsom and Trump has been ongoing, with both sides exchanging barbs and criticisms.

American Leadership and International Alliances

Newsom’s address also touched on broader themes of American leadership and the fragility of international alliances. He lamented the damage that has been done to America’s standing in the world, stating that it takes decades to build trust but only minutes to destroy it. Newsom emphasized the importance of maintaining strong alliances and working together to address global challenges.

Newsom’s Vision for the Future

Newsom’s willingness to meet Trump on his own rhetorical turf has energized Democrats both at home and abroad. He touted California’s success in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, citing the state’s growing roster of tech giants and surge in venture capital investment. Newsom also defended California’s decision to extend state health insurance to undocumented migrants and sidestepped questions about the state running a deficit amid a historic boom in artificial intelligence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Newsom’s appearance at the World Economic Forum was a significant moment in the ongoing debate about America’s place in the world and the legacy of the Trump years. His critique of Trump and his defense of his social media tactics sparked a conversation about the role of leadership in the digital age. As a potential frontrunner for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, Newsom’s words in Davos were more than just a critique of Trump – they were a signal of the direction he intends to take his party and, perhaps, the country.