California Governor Gavin Newsom delivered a scathing rebuke to President Donald Trump on Tuesday, saying that his administration's absence from COP30 climate conference was an "abdication of duty" and an "abomination." This marked a significant departure for Trump, who has repeatedly clashed with Newsom over various issues.
Newsom took aim at the Trump administration's lack of representation, arguing that it created an opening for China to exert greater influence on the global stage. The California governor highlighted the US's economic interests in clean energy and suggested that the country was losing ground if it fails to participate.
Newsom also criticized Trump's climate policies, labeling them as a "hoax" and saying that they disregard scientific consensus. He pointed out that the Trump administration has proposed allowing offshore drilling along the California coastline, an area previously protected by law.
During the COP30 conference, Newsom spoke about his efforts to protect California's coastline from further drilling. Notably, he stated that the proposal was "dead on arrival" and questioned why it broke during the event, which he believed was a deliberate attempt by Trump to draw attention away from his administration's climate policies.
Newsom also criticized Trump's military actions against drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, labeling them as extrajudicial killings. He called for an end to these attacks and urged world leaders to stand up against Trump's unilateral actions.
In a broader context, Newsom addressed concerns about Trump's hold on power, stating that his presidency is "temporary" and likening him to an "invasive species." When pressed for solutions, Newsom suggested changing language around climate change policies to make them more accessible to the public, using metaphors that resonate with voters.
While Newsom refrained from directly addressing his own ambitions to succeed Trump as president, his comments marked a significant moment in their ongoing feud. With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, Newsom is likely to position himself as a strong alternative to Trump's leadership style.
Newsom took aim at the Trump administration's lack of representation, arguing that it created an opening for China to exert greater influence on the global stage. The California governor highlighted the US's economic interests in clean energy and suggested that the country was losing ground if it fails to participate.
Newsom also criticized Trump's climate policies, labeling them as a "hoax" and saying that they disregard scientific consensus. He pointed out that the Trump administration has proposed allowing offshore drilling along the California coastline, an area previously protected by law.
During the COP30 conference, Newsom spoke about his efforts to protect California's coastline from further drilling. Notably, he stated that the proposal was "dead on arrival" and questioned why it broke during the event, which he believed was a deliberate attempt by Trump to draw attention away from his administration's climate policies.
Newsom also criticized Trump's military actions against drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, labeling them as extrajudicial killings. He called for an end to these attacks and urged world leaders to stand up against Trump's unilateral actions.
In a broader context, Newsom addressed concerns about Trump's hold on power, stating that his presidency is "temporary" and likening him to an "invasive species." When pressed for solutions, Newsom suggested changing language around climate change policies to make them more accessible to the public, using metaphors that resonate with voters.
While Newsom refrained from directly addressing his own ambitions to succeed Trump as president, his comments marked a significant moment in their ongoing feud. With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, Newsom is likely to position himself as a strong alternative to Trump's leadership style.