California Governor Gavin Newsom spent part of his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos making a spectacle of himself instead of offering serious policy ideas, brandishing what he called “Trump signature series kneepads” and sneering that world leaders were “rolling over” for President Trump. The stunt got laughs from the Davos crowd — the same crowd that applauds global elites while California burns — and underlined how out of touch Newsom is with everyday Americans who care about public safety and economic freedom.
Newsom went further, casting diplomacy with President Trump as a choice between mating with a T. rex or being devoured, then insisting on “punching back” with mockery rather than sober governance. His office even claimed a planned appearance at Davos was canceled under pressure, which looks more like victim theater than accountability for a governor whose policies have left Californians paying the price. Conservative Americans see this as the predictable performative outrage of a political class more interested in signaling to elites than solving real problems.
President Trump mentioned Newsom during his Davos remarks, and Newsom responded by posting memes and snark on social media — a childish exchange that distracts from serious debates about trade, national security, and the global economy. While the left pretends this is “bold leadership,” the truth is that Newsom is auditioning for the national spotlight while his state struggles with homelessness, crime, and fiscal mismanagement. Hardworking Americans are rightly skeptical when a governor behaves like a late-night comic instead of a public servant.
Even conservative commentators on the Gutfeld! panel took note, ripping into Newsom’s Davos theatrics and contrasting them with President Trump speaking directly to foreign leaders and heads of business. That contrast matters: one man went to Davos to defend American interests and project strength, while another went to Davos to posture and pick fights with the office of the presidency. The Gutfeld! discussion reflected what many voters feel — disgust with elite performativity and a hunger for leaders who prioritize country over clout.
Americans deserve leaders who fix problems, not leaders who perform for the global cocktail circuit and then lecture the rest of us about morals. Gavin Newsom’s Davos antics are a reminder that the Democratic playbook too often substitutes theater for results, and that glory-seeking governors shouldn’t be elevated while their states falter. If conservatives want to win back the narrative, we should keep pointing out the contrast between real leadership and hollow virtue signaling, and remind voters that patriotism means putting the country first.
