California Governor Gavin Newsom sparked controversy this week with sharp criticism of international diplomatic engagement with former U.S. President Donald Trump, calling world leaders "pathetic" and "embarrassingly soft" during remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Speaking to reporters on January 20, 2026, Newsom employed unorthodox analogies to describe cross-border relations: "Watching them negotiate with Trump is like seeing toddlers hand-feed steak to a T-Rex. You need kneepads and a strategy, not just polite smiles."
The Democratic governor’s comments come amid renewed global attention on U.S. political dynamics ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. While not explicitly endorsing current administration policies, Newsom emphasized that "weakness only encourages more aggressive posturing" in international affairs.
Political analysts suggest the remarks reflect growing frustration among U.S. allies about navigating America’s complex political landscape. The World Economic Forum session focused on sustainable development goals saw unexpected diversion into geopolitical strategy debates following Newsom’s intervention.
