President Donald Trump took aim Thursday at California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat widely viewed as a potential 2028 presidential contender, just one day after previously referring to him as a “good guy” while speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
In a sharply worded post on Truth Social, Trump criticized Newsom’s presence at the international gathering and questioned his judgment in seeking the global spotlight. Trump referred to the governor as “Gavin Newscum,” calling him a “lame duck” leader presiding over what he described as a failing state.
“Gavin Newscum, as a ‘Lame Duck’ Governor of a Failing State, should not be at Davos running around screaming for the attention of Foreign Leaders, and embarrassing our Country,” Trump wrote. He added that Newsom “made a mockery of himself,” claiming that even the governor’s own staff was aware of it.
Trump went on to accuse Newsom of overseeing the decline of California, calling it “the ruination of one of the most beautiful places on Earth.” He said residents are leaving the state “in droves” and suggested that Newsom’s record makes the idea of a presidential run difficult to imagine.
“With a record like he’s got, it is unimaginable that he could run for President,” Trump wrote, before adding that the world has become unpredictable.
Newsom attended the Davos forum and used his appearances there to openly criticize the Trump administration. In remarks to reporters, the California governor urged U.S. allies to “stand united” and “stand tall,” arguing they should push back against what he described as unprecedented foreign policy actions by the White House.
Those comments, delivered on the world stage, quickly drew responses from administration officials and even skepticism from within Newsom’s own party. The governor’s aggressive posture abroad has fueled questions about whether he is positioning himself for a national run while still serving as governor.
Earlier in the week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent took his own jab at Newsom during remarks at Davos, likening the governor to pop culture figures and questioning his economic understanding.
“Gov. Newsom, who strikes me as Patrick Bateman meets Sparkle Beach Ken, may be the only Californian who knows less about economics than Kamala Harris,” Bessent said, drawing attention with the pointed comparison.
Newsom responded by firing back at the Treasury secretary, accusing him of wasting time on personal attacks instead of serious economic discussion.
“The Treasury secretary talked about a Barbie doll,” Newsom said. “It was as if he was reading a diary and had just broken up with someone.” He added that it was inappropriate for a cabinet official to spend valuable time at a global forum making such remarks.
The exchange is the latest chapter in a long-running feud between Trump and Newsom. Since the beginning of Trump’s second term, the president has repeatedly accused the California governor of mismanaging the state. The two clashed publicly last year over California’s response to devastating wildfires, with Trump criticizing state leadership and Newsom pushing back.
Newsom’s high-profile appearance at Davos and his repeated attacks on the administration have only intensified that rivalry. Trump’s latest comments signal that the White House is prepared to challenge Newsom aggressively as the California governor continues to elevate his national profile.
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