California Governor Gavin Newsom took center stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos today, delivering a blistering critique of European leaders. He accused them of being “complicit” and “pathetic” in the face of President Trump’s aggressive trade demands, specifically regarding the administration’s renewed pursuit of Greenland.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Core Conflict: Greenland and Tariffs
- Immediate Action: A 10% import tax on goods from countries including Denmark, Germany, France, and the UK, effective next month.
- The Ultimatum: A threat to hike those tariffs to 25% by June 1 unless a deal for the “complete and total purchase” of Greenland is finalized.
Newsom’s Sharpest Critiques
Newsom, often acting as a “shadow diplomat” for liberal U.S. interests, did not mince words when discussing the EU’s response:
- Hypocrisy: He alleged that European officials mock the President in private while remaining submissive in public.
- Lack of Unity: He urged the EU to stop “sucking up” and instead form a unified front, stating, “It is time to get serious and stop being complicit.”
- California’s Autonomy: Newsom reminded the global audience that California remains the world’s 5th largest economy and will continue to foster its own direct trade ties, bypassing the “turbulence” of the White House.
The White House Response
The administration’s representatives at Davos attempted to contain the diplomatic fallout. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged European partners to “take a deep breath,” characterizing the tariffs as a negotiation tool rather than a bridge-burning maneuver.
“The world is watching to see if the EU will blink or if they will heed the call to stand firm against these unprecedented economic pressures.”
