UPDATE: California Governor Gavin Newsom is making headlines at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, urging world leaders to take a stronger stance against U.S. President Donald Trump. With Trump scheduled to join the discussions shortly, Newsom’s comments are resonating as a clarion call for international leadership.
In a powerful statement to reporters, Newsom condemned European leaders for their perceived complacency toward Trump’s controversial push to acquire Greenland. “Stop being complicit. It’s time to stand tall and firm, have a backbone,” he declared, emphasizing the need for principled diplomacy.
The urgency of Newsom’s message comes as Trump continues to assert that acquiring Greenland is “imperative” for U.S. national security. He has warned eight NATO allies to stay out of his way, threatening to impose 10% tariffs starting February 1, escalating to 25% by June if they interfere.
Newsom didn’t hold back in critiquing the current diplomatic climate, likening Trump’s approach to dealing with a T-Rex: “You mate with him or he devours you,” he explained. His remarks highlight a growing frustration among some U.S. officials regarding the administration’s handling of foreign policy and international relationships.
He also drew attention to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who recently returned her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump, calling the gesture emblematic of the troubling dynamics at play. “I can’t take this complicity. People rolling over. I should’ve brought a bunch of knee pads for all the world leaders,” he said, expressing his disdain for what he perceives as a lack of resolve among global leaders.
Newsom’s statements reflect a broader sentiment of embarrassment among many Americans regarding the nation’s standing on the world stage. “It’s just pathetic, and I hope people understand how pathetic they look,” he said, urging leaders to abandon pretenses and take decisive action.
As the forum continues, the spotlight remains on both Newsom’s remarks and Trump’s anticipated arrival. The world is watching closely, and the implications of these discussions could shape international relations in the coming months.
What’s Next: Global leaders are expected to further discuss Trump’s Greenland ambitions, and the potential for economic fallout from his tariff threats looms large. Observers will be keenly tuned in to see how allies respond to both Newsom’s call for action and Trump’s uncompromising demands.
