Pres. Trump has Gavin Newsom Removed From World Economic Forum Conference at Davos

California Governor Gavin Newsom attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January 2026, where he criticized international leaders for what he described as excessive deference to President Donald Trump.

During remarks to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Newsom urged global figures to "stand tall and firm" and "have a backbone" rather than engage in what he called "complicity" or "appeasement" toward Trump. He likened the president's approach to diplomacy as that of a "T-Rex-you mate with him or he devours you," and suggested that leaders appeared "pathetic" in their responses to U.S. demands, including those related to Greenland. Newsom stated he "should have brought a bunch of kneepads for all the world leaders" to highlight perceived submission.

Newsom was photographed with Alex Soros, chairman of the Open Society Foundations and son of philanthropist George Soros. Alex Soros posted the image on social media, praising Newsom as "the real star of the 2026 World Economic Forum" and commending him for calling out leaders who believe appeasement works with Trump, arguing it only emboldens chaotic behavior. Soros added that world leaders should follow Newsom's example by standing united.The appearance drew responses from Trump administration officials. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized Newsom during Davos events, referring to him as potentially "the only Californian who knows less about economics than Kamala Harris" and describing him as arriving "with his billionaire sugar daddy, Alex Soros."

Bessent also referenced past controversies involving Newsom, such as his actions during COVID-19 lockdowns, while indicating the administration's intent to address issues like waste and fraud in California.Newsom also promoted California's achievements, announcing that the state had surpassed 2.5 million cumulative zero-emission vehicle sales, exceeding its prior goal and positioning it as a stable market for clean energy amid federal policy shifts.The visit occurred amid heightened U.S. political tensions, including discussions over Greenland and trade policies.

Newsom, widely viewed as a potential Democratic contender for the 2028 presidential nomination, used the platform to contrast California's approach with the current federal administration. Trump, who also attended Davos and delivered remarks, addressed Newsom indirectly during his speech, calling him a "good guy" and offering assistance to California if needed.

Gavin Newsom and Alex Soros.

Separate reports indicated Newsom was denied entry to a scheduled speaking event at the U.S. House pavilion, which his office attributed to pressure from the White House and State Department; organizers cited a policy against including elected U.S. officials in that programming. Newsom's expressions during Trump's address were noted by some observers as appearing disengaged.

The episode underscored ongoing partisan divides, with Newsom framing his participation as a defense of multilateral cooperation and stability, while critics portrayed it as out-of-touch globalist engagement disconnected from domestic priorities.

Gavin Newsom Takes the Stage at Davos: A California Governor's Global Ambitions and the Trump Critique

From the perspective of Ben Shapiro

Look, I've got to hand it to Governor Gavin Newsom: the man knows how to make an entrance. Just a few months ago, he graciously invited me onto his podcast for a lively debate about the state of our nation—California's challenges, national politics, and everything in between. It was a respectful exchange, and I appreciate the opportunity to engage in that kind of civil discourse. But watching him jet off to the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, rubbing shoulders with the global elite and taking pointed shots at President Trump, it's hard not to raise an eyebrow at the optics.

For those who might have missed it, Newsom showed up at the annual gathering of billionaires, CEOs, and world leaders in the Swiss Alps, where the air is thin and the hypocrisy is thick. There, he was photographed beaming alongside Alex Soros, son of billionaire financier George Soros and heir to one of the most influential progressive networks in the world. Soros posted the pic on X, captioning it with praise for Newsom's "leadership" and urging the world to stand firm against what he sees as the dangers of a Trump resurgence. It's the kind of alliance that raises questions about just how intertwined California's governance is with international progressive agendas.

Newsom didn't stop at photo ops. In his remarks, he lambasted what he called "pathetic complicity" in the face of Trump's policies, drawing parallels to Europe's supposed appeasement of authoritarian demands—like that bizarre Greenland purchase idea from a few years back. He positioned himself as a defender of democratic values, warning global leaders not to bend to isolationist pressures from the U.S. right. Fair enough—Newsom has every right to voice his opinions on the world stage. After all, as governor of the world's fifth-largest economy, California's policies do ripple outward. But let's be honest: this isn't just about principled stands. It's about ambition.

From my perspective, there's a certain irony here. Newsom has spent years touting California's model as a beacon for the nation—progressive policies on climate, social justice, and economic equity. Yet, back home, the state grapples with skyrocketing homelessness, a housing crisis that's pricing out the middle class, and an exodus of businesses fleeing high taxes and regulations. I pointed some of this out during our podcast chat, and to his credit, Newsom defended his record vigorously. But heading to Davos to criticize Trump while palling around with Soros feels like a distraction from those domestic woes. Trump, for all his bombast, focused on American workers, border security, and economic growth that lifted wages across the board. Newsom's critique ignores that track record in favor of painting Trump as some existential threat to global order.

And then there's the Soros connection. Alex Soros isn't just any billionaire's kid; he's actively shaping progressive causes through the Open Society Foundations, pouring millions into everything from criminal justice reform to climate initiatives. Newsom's appearance with him underscores a broader trend: Democratic leaders aligning with globalist institutions that often prioritize international consensus over national sovereignty. It's not conspiracy-mongering to note this—it's just observing the alliances at play. Soros himself has been vocal about countering what he calls "nationalist" forces, and Newsom's rhetoric at Davos echoes that.

Don't get me wrong: I respect Newsom's hustle. Climbing the political ladder takes grit, and his podcast invitation showed a willingness to engage across the aisle—something we need more of in this polarized era. But if he's eyeing a bigger role, perhaps in 2028 or beyond, events like Davos highlight the divide between coastal elites and everyday Americans. Trump tapped into that frustration in 2016 and again in 2024, promising to put America first. Newsom's global schmoozing might play well in Switzerland, but back in the heartland, it could come across as out of touch.

In the end, this Davos jaunt is a reminder that politics is as much about narrative as it is about policy. Newsom is crafting his as the anti-Trump crusader, backed by influential friends like Soros. As someone who's debated him directly, I can say he's a formidable opponent. But if we're serious about fixing America's problems, let's focus less on alpine summits and more on the streets of San Francisco or the factories in Ohio. That's where the real work gets done.