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California governor blocked from Davos event
California Governor Gavin Newsom was denied the opportunity to speak at the USA House pavilion during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday. His office attributed the cancellation to pressure from the Trump administration.
Dispute over speaking invitation
Newsom's team stated on X that the governor had been invited by media partner Fortune to participate in a discussion at the official U.S. pavilion. However, shortly before the event, USA House informed them that the session was canceled and Newsom would not be allowed to address the audience. The governor's office claimed the decision came "under pressure from the White House and State Department."
In a post on X, Newsom wrote, "California was just denied at the USA House. Last we checked, California is part of USA." He later questioned the administration's motives, asking, "How weak and pathetic do you have to be to be this scared of a fireside chat?"
White House and Trump officials respond
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly criticized Newsom's presence at Davos, telling the BBC, "No one in Davos knows who third-rate governor Newscum is or why he is frolicking around Switzerland instead of fixing the many problems he created in California." Kelly did not clarify whether the administration played a role in blocking Newsom's appearance.
During his own speech at Davos, former President Donald Trump mocked Newsom, suggesting he should focus on domestic issues like homelessness and wildfires rather than attending international forums. Trump also referenced their past rapport, calling Newsom a "good guy" before advising Democratic governors to "call up Trump" for help improving their states.
Newsom's reaction and alternative offers
The governor's office said USA House proposed an alternative: speaking at a nightcap reception instead of the scheduled event. Newsom declined, telling reporters later that Trump's speech was "boorish" and "inconsequential," though he acknowledged laughing at some moments during the address.
Newsom, a vocal Trump critic, is reportedly considering a 2028 presidential run. His office confirmed that Fortune had promoted the event in advance, and the cancellation came after USA House cited a scheduling conflict with another "elected official."
Broader context at Davos
Several Trump administration officials spoke at the USA House pavilion, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who used his platform to critique Newsom's priorities. The governor was also present in the audience when Trump delivered a wide-ranging address, during which he reiterated his past demand for Denmark to cede control of Greenland.
