California governor attacks Trump in Davos: He needs to be slapped to make him back down
In a striking escalation of political rhetoric at the World Economic Forum in Davos, California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom launched a scathing attack on US President Donald Trump, urging European leaders to abandon their policy of appeasement and adopt a strategy of direct confrontation. Newsom called on European allies to "stand up" to Trump boldly, particularly on the Greenland issue and trade policies, using strong language that went so far as to suggest a political "slap" to force him to back down.
"Fight fire with fire" strategy
During his address at the forum, Newsom offered an analysis of the US president's character, describing him as "weak" despite his aggressive demeanor. The Democratic governor argued that the European Union had made a mistake in trying to appease Trump, saying, "He's adept at exploiting weaknesses, but he backs down when he's slapped. He can't have it all." He added, in a clearly provocative tone, "Enough with the flattery. Stop trying to appease him. Fight fire with fire," indicating that firmness is the only language the current president understands.
The Greenland crisis: between ambition and absurdity
Newsom specifically addressed the controversy surrounding Trump's desire to purchase the Danish island of Greenland, describing this ambition as "madness" and "absurd." The issue stems from previous reports confirming Trump's interest in acquiring the island for strategic reasons and its natural resources, a move that was met with firm rejection and ridicule from Denmark and Europe at the time. While Newsom ruled out a military invasion of the self-governing island, he stressed the need for Europeans to stand "firmly and resolutely" against these ambitions and to speak with one voice in rejecting this logic.
The context of political conflict and future aspirations
Newsom's statements cannot be separated from the internal political context in the United States, where the governor of California is seen as one of the most prominent Democratic figures opposing the policies of the White House, and as a potential candidate for the presidency in 2028. Newsom has consistently directed sharp criticism at Trump in international forums, presenting himself as a liberal alternative defending the traditional values of Western alliances that have been shaken under Trump.
Trade tensions and the future of NATO
These remarks come at a sensitive time for transatlantic relations, as the US president puts European allies and NATO to the test, whether by pressuring them to increase military spending or by threatening tariffs. In this context, the European Union is considering retaliatory trade measures in response to Trump's threats to impose tariffs on eight European countries. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen vowed in Davos that the EU's response would be "firm," echoing Newsom's call for confrontation rather than capitulation.
