California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing intense criticism after using the Munich Security Conference to undermine President Trump on the world stage, telling foreign leaders the current administration is “temporary” and will be “gone in three years.” The unprecedented remarks from a state governor have raised serious questions about whether Newsom is conducting shadow diplomacy to boost his own 2028 presidential ambitions rather than serving the interests of his state or country.
During his European tour, Newsom didn’t just cross the line into federal territory—he trampled all over it. The Democratic governor cast California as a “stable and reliable” alternative to the U.S. government and openly mocked world leaders for cooperating with President Trump, calling them “pathetic” for working with the administration. In comments that drew gasps even from critics accustomed to his grandstanding, Newsom repeated a tasteless joke from Davos, saying he “should have brought a bunch of knee pads” for foreign leaders who he believes have bowed too easily to Trump. While such inflammatory rhetoric may play well with his progressive base, it risks seriously damaging America’s relationships with key allies at a time when unity on issues like NATO funding and Arctic sovereignty is critical.
@seanhannity Trump: “I watched AOC answering questions in Munich. This was not a good look for the United States. I watched Gavin Newscum answering questions in Munich. This was a bad look for our country… These two people are incompetent.”