Newsom Stunned By World Leaders’ Support For Trump at Davos

California Gov. Gavin Newsom lashed out at European and global leaders Tuesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, urging them to more aggressively oppose the policies of President Donald J. Trump and accusing them of weakness in the face of America’s renewed assertiveness on the world stage.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the elite annual gathering, Newsom accused foreign leaders of “complicity” and claimed traditional diplomacy with the Trump administration has failed. His remarks focused on Trump’s foreign policy posture, including the president’s push to acquire Greenland and his willingness to threaten tariffs against allies who resist U.S. priorities.

“Stop being complicit,” Newsom said in a clip posted to X. “It’s time to stand tall and firm, have a backbone. I can’t take this complicity — people rolling over. I should have brought a bunch of knee pads for all the world leaders.”

The California Democrat went on to argue that engagement with President Trump’s administration “doesn’t work” at the present moment and insisted that foreign governments must confront what he characterized as aggressive tactics.

Despite Newsom’s claims, multiple developments at Davos undercut his narrative, with prominent global and business leaders openly aligning with key Trump priorities — including Greenland.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated during a forum discussion that “Trump is right” on Greenland, adding that NATO and European Union nations must do more “collectively” to ensure the strategic territory’s security.

Major figures in the private sector echoed that support. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang praised President Trump’s economic and industrial strategy in an interview with Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo.

“President Trump wants to reindustrialize the United States, and AI is really a perfect time to do it. For AI, you have to build infrastructure, and that infrastructure includes chip factories, computer factories, and AI factories—and we’re building all 3 in the the United States,” Huang said.

He added: “Without President Trump and his strategies, we wouldn’t be here today, and so I’m really grateful for all of his policies… over the course of the next 3 more years, we’re going to manufacture approximately half a trillion dollars worth of AI computing systems here in the United States.”

Newsom’s remarks come as tensions have intensified following President Trump’s warning that European countries backing Denmark’s claim over Greenland could face punitive tariffs — a move that has tested transatlantic relationships and exposed deep divisions among Western leaders.

When asked what advice he had for Europe, Newsom deflected responsibility.

“The Europeans should decide for themselves,” the governor replied.

Several international leaders pushed back against Trump’s approach. French President Emmanuel Macron criticized what he described as unilateral pressure tactics, warning that Europe would not submit to “bullying or intimidation” and signaling support for retaliatory trade measures. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney similarly called for greater multilateral cooperation and reiterated support for Greenland’s right to determine its own future.

European officials have since floated retaliatory economic measures. Germany’s finance minister, Lars Klingbeil, hinted Monday at increased tariffs on U.S. goods while appearing alongside his French counterpart in Berlin. Macron also urged the European Union to activate its Anti-Coercion Instrument — often described as the EU’s trade “bazooka.”

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent sought to tamp down speculation of a broader rupture, insisting that U.S.–European relations remain strong despite disagreements over Greenland and trade policy.

President Trump was scheduled to address the forum later in the week, offering a direct rebuttal to critics and an opportunity to outline his foreign policy vision. He arrived in Switzerland overnight after a mechanical issue forced Air Force One to return to Andrews Air Force Base, where the president transferred to a backup aircraft before continuing his trip.