Newsom Trolls Trump in Davos, Prompting Event Cancellation

California Governor Gavin Newsom made headlines this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he notably interacted with former President Donald Trump. This encounter quickly turned into a notable social media exchange, showcasing Newsom’s ongoing critique of Trump and elevating his own profile ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

Key Events at Davos

During Trump’s speech at the forum, he publicly acknowledged Newsom, stating, “I know Gavin was here. I used to get along so great with Gavin when I was president.” A camera captured Newsom smiling and seemingly amused during this moment. Trump went on to express his views on various issues, including an unusual demand for the U.S. to acquire Greenland, which drew laughter from the crowd.

Newsom’s Response

After the speech, Newsom dismissed Trump’s address as “remarkably boring” and stated that it lacked new ideas for the American audience. He also critiqued Trump’s Greenland comments, suggesting they reflected anxiety among business leaders present at the forum.

Accusations and Controversies

Shortly after, Newsom’s press office accused the Trump administration of preventing him from attending an event at USA House, the American pavilion at Davos. According to Newsom’s team, their request to participate was denied due to pressure from the White House.

• Newsom’s team tweeted: “BREAKING: Under pressure from the White House, USA House denies entry to Gov. Newsom.”
• The White House rebutted, saying, “No one in Davos knows who third-rate governor Newscum is.”
• Fortune magazine confirmed USA House could not accommodate Newsom’s participation.

Newsom’s Commentary on Global Leaders

Before Trump’s arrival, Newsom criticized the attitudes of global leaders at Davos, claiming they were “rolling over” for Trump. He remarked on the unflattering optics of their interactions, suggesting he should have brought “kneepads” to the event.

Social Media Strategy

Newsom’s approach to countering Trump’s influence has involved using humor and sarcasm. His social media team has adopted a style reminiscent of Trump’s, using all-caps sentences and amusing memes to engage followers.

Other Potential 2028 Contenders

At Davos, Newsom was not alone as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential race. Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer and Kentucky’s Andy Beshear also attended the event. Beshear characterized Trump’s speech as “dangerous” and “embarrassing,” criticizing his behavior towards world leaders and the tone of his remarks.

This interaction at Davos not only highlights the ongoing rivalry between Newsom and Trump but also illustrates Newsom’s rising ambitions on the national stage as he gears up for a potential presidential bid in 2028.