California Gov. Gavin Newsom launched a blistering verbal attack Tuesday against President Donald Trump and European leaders, delivering a series of inflammatory remarks while speaking to reporters in Davos ahead of the World Economic Forum. The Democratic governor accused Trump of using the world stage as a “wrecking ball” and mocked European officials for what he claimed was their weakness in dealing with the American president.
Speaking in Switzerland, Newsom compared Trump to a predatory dinosaur, suggesting world leaders must either submit to him or be destroyed. In comments captured on video shared by DW News reporter Michaela Kuefner, Newsom claimed European leaders are being manipulated and humiliated.
Newsom said Europeans have been “played” and accused them of embarrassing themselves by continuing their current approach. He argued that while European leaders believe they are practicing diplomacy, they are instead being taken advantage of. When a reporter suggested Europeans see their engagement with Trump as diplomacy, Newsom scoffed at the idea and doubled down on his rhetoric.
“This is diplomacy with Donald Trump?” Newsom said. “He’s a T-Rex. You mate with him, or he devours you.”
He urged European nations to “stand tall, stand firm, stand united,” insisting they need to abandon what he described as outdated rules and norms when dealing with Trump. Newsom repeatedly accused European leaders of continuing to play by a “set of rules” that Trump does not follow.
Describing Trump as a destabilizing force, Newsom warned that the world is facing an urgent crisis. He said Trump operates by what he called “the law of the jungle” and referred to it as “the rule of Don.” Newsom claimed the situation is “code red” and argued that global leaders have not fully grasped what they are facing.
Newsom insisted Trump is not acting irrationally but is instead deliberate in his actions, even as he described the president as unmoored and unhinged. He said Trump’s behavior is intentional and dangerous, and claimed the global community has failed to respond appropriately.
When pressed about Trump’s ultimate objective, Newsom launched into another broad attack. He said Trump’s goal changes based on his personal desires and accused him of wanting to remake the world in his own image. Newsom labeled Trump a narcissist and complained that world leaders privately criticize Trump while publicly flattering him.
Newsom accused global leaders of hypocrisy, claiming they mock Trump behind closed doors but “suck up to him” in public. He said such behavior sends the wrong message to future generations and dismissed it as foolish rather than diplomatic.
In a separate interview, Newsom continued taunting European leaders, telling Sky News that he “should have brought a bunch of knee pads for all the world leaders,” a remark aimed at what he characterized as their deference to Trump.
Newsom’s appearance in Switzerland came one day before President Trump’s arrival in Davos, where he is scheduled to deliver a “special address,” according to Reuters. Trump also drew attention overnight Tuesday after posting memes and leaked text messages on his Truth Social platform, once again dominating headlines as global leaders gathered for the World Economic Forum.
The episode highlighted the stark contrast between Newsom’s combative rhetoric and Trump’s continued presence on the world stage, as tensions flared in Davos ahead of Trump’s arrival.
