UPDATE: California Governor Gavin Newsom boldly claimed he is “living rent-free” in former President Donald Trump’s mind during a fiery appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. This assertion follows a series of sharp social media critiques targeting Trump, which Newsom celebrated as a considerable success.
During an on-stage interview with Semafor’s editor-in-chief Ben Smith, Newsom did not hold back, stating, “This is not normal, it’s a deviation of normalcy.” He emphasized the need to confront Trump’s actions directly, asserting, “I put a mirror up to Trump and Trumpism – in all caps.” The governor’s remarks come just hours after Trump discussed his controversial demands regarding Greenland.
Newsom’s pointed comments reflect a growing tension between the two political figures, particularly as he utilizes his official press account on X (formerly Twitter) to deliver biting commentary on Trump and his administration. He highlighted the irony of media outlets like Fox News criticizing his approach while remaining silent on Trump’s more outrageous behavior, including his past actions on the global stage.
Reacting to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent‘s earlier remarks that likened Newsom to “Patrick Bateman meets Sparkle Beach Ken,” the governor quipped, “It was as if he was reading a diary and had just broken up with someone.” He criticized the misuse of valuable time at an international forum for such personal jabs.
Highlighting the political climate, Newsom suggested that his influence on the political agenda is undeniable, stating, “The affordability agenda appears to be, I’m living rent-free in Trump’s head.” Newsom’s remarks come on the heels of the abrupt cancellation of a Fortune-hosted event at the U.S.A. House, which he attributes to pressure from the White House and State Department. He condemned this pressure as emblematic of the administration’s “authoritarian tendencies,” also accusing corporate sponsors of being complicit with Trump’s agenda.
During the conversation, Newsom criticized the role of ICE agents in his state, mocking a Customs and Border Protection official for a controversial outfit choice. He warned about the implications of living under what he termed “the rule of Don” and described a “supine Congress” as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary.
Expressing concern over the diminishing respect for the United States on the world stage, Newsom lamented the impacts of Trump’s presidency, stating, “That used to be us.” He characterized Trump as an “invasive species” focused solely on personal gains, compelling Newsom to counteract Republican gerrymandering in Texas by supporting redistricting legislation in California.
In a critical reflection on the Democratic Party’s response to Trump’s provocations, Newsom remarked that their typical reaction could be summed up as, “We might write an op-ed.” His statements underscore a profound frustration with both the Republican and Democratic establishments as they navigate an increasingly polarized political landscape.
This developing story highlights the escalating tensions within American politics as prominent figures like Newsom and Trump clash on the international stage. As the political climate continues to evolve, all eyes will be on the upcoming responses from both parties, and how they will shape the discourse leading into the next election cycle.
