Gavin Newsom
During the conversation, the governor emphasized: “I am no longer satisfied with the complicity of those who succumb to pressure. I would hand out knee pads to all world leaders. It’s just shameful. I hope people realize how they look on the international stage,” Newsom stated.
He also added: “Trump is a real tyrannosaurus. If you try to engage with him, he will swallow you whole. You need to stand up to him,” urging Europeans to “stay strong and united.”
The governor noted that he represents one of the most “non-Trump” states in the U.S. and that Trump behaves aggressively, responding to strength rather than weakness. “I’m not going to give advice to Europeans. I’m an American, and I stick to my principles. And I am confident that this approach is more effective than appeasement, which leads nowhere,” he added.
Newsom's remarks came against the backdrop of Trump intensifying his threats regarding Greenland, announcing a 10% tariff on goods from countries that opposed the purchase of the region by the U.S.
Meanwhile, European leaders are trying to find a way to respond to Trump’s aggressive rhetoric.
The U.S. President published information about his conversation with NATO chief Mark Rutte, as well as about an upcoming meeting in Davos with key figures regarding Greenland. He also shared a text message from French President Emmanuel Macron and criticized the UK for transferring a military base in the Indian Ocean.
In his message on the Truth Social platform, Trump posted a letter from Rutte praising the president's achievements in Syria and expressing a willingness to cooperate on Greenland issues.
On Monday, Trump also stated that he is no longer interested in a “clean” world, as he did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize, which ultimately went to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. She even handed her medal to Trump, although the Nobel Committee clarified that the title itself cannot be transferred.
Newsom is known for his practice of handing out knee pads to politicians who, in his opinion, have bowed to Trump, and even sells them through his website.
