President Donald Trump derided California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s international outreach as "inappropriate." (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo)
But it was Newsom’s blunt assessment of world leaders' attempts to work with the 47th president that drew the most attention. Addressing European heads of state and diplomats, Newsom claimed that foreign leaders "rolling over" for the White House make themselves "look pathetic on the world stage."
The governor doubled down on a jab he first debuted at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, telling reporters he "should have brought a bunch of knee pads" for world leaders who he believes have bowed down to the president’s "transactional" diplomacy. Newsom specifically took aim at what he called the "complicity" of allies who have sought to appease the President following recent controversies over Arctic sovereignty and NATO funding.
"I can't take this complicity of people rolling over," Newsom said during a sideline appearance. "I mean, handing out crowns, the Nobel prizes that are being given away ... it’s just pathetic."
Newsom signed a pact with the Lviv region of Ukraine, which Newsom said would involve California companies in the "rebuilding and resiliency" of the war-torn nation — specifically in defense, energy, and digital technologies. (Danylo Antoniuk/AP)
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Foreign policy traditionally has operated under the principle that the U.S. should speak with one voice in its dealings abroad. Newsom’s remarks, delivered before foreign heads of state while signing agreements of his own, presented an alternative vision of American leadership at a time when Washington is navigating disputes over NATO funding, Arctic sovereignty and the war in Ukraine.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-rips-newsoms-uk-pact-2028-showdown-chatter-grows