During the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on March 20, 2024, former President Donald Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom were observed sharing laughs and jokes behind the scenes, despite their public history of bitter exchanges. Journalist Mark Halperin reported that the two engaged in light-hearted conversation in a backstage area prior to Trump’s speech, where he reiterated his desire for Greenland to become a U.S. territory.
Halperin noted that Trump displayed his signature charisma, saying, “There was friendly banter all around, and mutual laughter when the president announced, ‘Gavin, we’re good.’” The jovial atmosphere continued as Newsom reportedly teased Trump in a playful manner. Despite the friendly interaction, the backdrop of their contentious relationship loomed large, particularly due to their past disputes over California’s wildfire response and immigration policies.
In his speech, Trump unexpectedly referred to Newsom as someone he “used to get along so great with” and labeled him “a good guy.” This remark elicited a bemused reaction from Newsom, who was watching from the back of the auditorium. However, by the next day, Trump returned to his critical stance, posting on Truth Social that Newsom, whom he referred to as “Gavin Newscum,” should not be at Davos “running around screaming for the attention of foreign leaders” and should focus on pressing issues in California.
Newsom’s participation in the forum included a separate event hosted by Ben Smith, editor-in-chief of Semafor, after a prior engagement at USA House was canceled, which he attributed to the Trump administration. In his remarks, Newsom criticized Trump as an “invasive species” and claimed he prioritized personal gain over national interests, stating that to combat “Trumpism,” a more aggressive approach was necessary.
Tensions escalated further when Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent insulted Newsom during the forum, suggesting that he was “the only Californian who knows less about economics than Kamala Harris.” In response, Newsom described Bessent’s comments as trivial, indicating they detracted from the seriousness of the event.
Bessent countered Newsom’s criticisms in an interview with Politico, suggesting that the governor might be losing his grip on reality and mocking his comments about Trump. The ongoing exchanges reflect the complex dynamics between the two political figures, marked by a blend of personal animosity and occasional camaraderie.
As the forum continues, the interactions between Trump and Newsom serve as a reminder of the intricate relationships that often exist in politics, where public personas can clash dramatically with private interactions. The world is watching how these two leaders navigate their differences while engaging with global issues at such a high-profile event.
