US EditionCalifornia governor tells Europe to stand up to Trump over tariff threats and ‘have a backbone’
- On Jan. 20, 2026, Newsom told European leaders to 'develop a backbone' against Trump at Davos, urging them to stand tall and firm.
- Trump threatened tariffs on the UK and seven other European countries over Greenland, prompting the EU to consider a trade bazooka and boost Arctic security.
- Using blunt metaphors, Newsom likened Trump to a T‑Rex and warned Europe it could be devoured if passive; he called leaders' conduct pathetic and joked about needing knee pads.
- While von der Leyen signalled a united response, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned a diplomatic spiral would embolden adversaries, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Monday he would not retaliate with tariffs.
- With Mr Trump due to speak on Wednesday, Gavin Newsom warned Europe is paying the price for earlier inaction and said the dispute could reshape NATO ties and cooperation.
63 Articles
63 Articles
Newsom calls global leaders 'pathetic' for Trump complicity
Gov. Gavin Newsom urged European and other global leaders to “stand tall and firm" and to “have a backbone,” bemoaning that too many have been “rolling over” in the face of Trump’s actions and rhetoric.
Newsom warns ‘pathetic’ foreign leaders to grow a backbone in bizarre takedown likening Trump to a T.rex
Gavin Newsom slams world leaders for allegedly "rolling over" to President Donald Trump at World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, criticizing their response.
‘Should Have Brought Knee Pads’: California Gov. Newsom Blasts EU Leaders For ‘Rolling Over’ To Trump
California Governor Gavin Newsom didn’t hold back at the World Economic Forum, delivering a stinging rebuke to European leaders for what he described as a “pathetic” and “complicit” response to President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats over the Greenland dispute. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the annual summit, Newsom urged world leaders to […] ‘Should Have Brought Knee Pads’: California Gov. Newsom Blasts EU Leaders For ‘Rollin…
The Trump-bashing must end. That's according to Gavin Newsom, the governor of California who wants to become US president in 2028. "Trump's actions must have consequences - otherwise he will devour Europe," he tells SvD.
Newsom Slams World Leaders Bending to Trump
Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) called for European leaders to show “backbone” to President Trump, calling their responses to his foreign policy goals “pathetic.” “Do you have a message for Europeans who are concerned about the messages from the White House around Greenland this week?” Sky News’s Paul Kelso asked the governor. Newsom responded that leaders must “buck up.” “It’s time to get serious. And stop being complicit. It’s time to stand tall …
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