Scott Bessent Critiques Gavin Newsom at Davos

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent launched a pointed critique of California’s Democratic Governor, Gavin Newsom, during the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland.

Newsom has leveraged the forum to voice criticisms against President Donald Trump as he seeks to bolster his national and international presence ahead of a potential 2028 presidential campaign. Bessent was particularly vocal in his criticisms of Democrats on Wednesday.

He stated, “He’s a disgrace. He’s too self-righteous, too narcissistic, too financially ignorant to know anything.” Bessent also remarked on Newsom’s apparent lack of economic knowledge compared to Kamala Harris, calling it ironic.

Bessent went on to mention that Newsom is currently in Davos with billionaire Alex Soros, implying that he favors elite interests. He remarked that Davos suits a governor who once dined at an extravagant restaurant while others faced lockdowns during the pandemic.

Moreover, Bessent reached out to Newsom, saying, “My message to Governor Newsom is that the Trump administration is coming to California. We are going to crack down on waste, fraud, and abuse.”

He enumerated pressing issues in California, such as homelessness, a major outflow of residents, significant budget deficits, and the ongoing aftermath of the Palisades fire from a year prior.

Concluding his remarks, he reiterated, “He is a disgrace. He is too self-righteous, too narcissistic, too economically ignorant to know anything.” He offered to clarify further if needed.

Related: White House announces Scott Bessent joins effort to uncover who funds Antifa violence.

At the same event, President Donald Trump also spoke, defending his campaign to annex Greenland and discussing the economic landscape under his administration. He characterized Greenland as an economically strategic territory of the United States.