Newsom Says White House Blocked His Davos Appearance, Blames Trump Administration

California Governor Gavin Newsom has accused the Trump administration of blocking him from speaking at a scheduled event at the World Economic Forum in Davos, saying USA House — the official U.S. pavilion — denied him entry moments before he was set to participate. Newsom said he had been invited to appear at the event, organized by media partner Fortune, but staff informed his team that the programme was abruptly cancelled and that he would not be permitted to speak or engage with media inside the venue.

Newsom criticized the move on X, saying, “California was just denied at USA House. Last we checked, California is part of USA,” while his office alleged that the decision was made “under pressure from the White House and State Department.” The governor, a frequent critic of Donald Trump and a potential 2028 presidential contender, suggested the administration acted out of political motivation, calling the decision “weak and pathetic” in another post on X.

The Trump White House, meanwhile, dismissed Newsom’s claims and mocked his presence at Davos. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said no one at the summit “knows who third-rate governor Newscum is,” suggesting he should focus on issues like homelessness and wildfires in California instead of attending global forums. She did not clarify whether the administration played a role in blocking his appearance.

According to Newsom’s office, USA House later said that allowing another “elected official” to appear did not fit their afternoon programming, though they reportedly offered him a slot at a late-night reception instead. Several Trump administration officials spoke at the venue throughout the day, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who also took shots at Newsom during his remarks.

Newsom was later seen in the audience during Donald Trump’s main Davos address, in which the former president attacked various world leaders and renewed his controversial call for Denmark to cede control of Greenland. Trump also singled out Newsom, recalling that they “used to get along” and calling him a “good guy.”

Speaking to reporters afterward, Newsom dismissed Trump’s speech as “boorish” and lacking substance. “I expected more from him. I really did,” the governor said, calling the address remarkable for “its inconsequential nature.”