Scott Bessent Critiques Gavin Newsom at Davos

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom during the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. He described the governor’s antics as politically motivated, humorously suggesting that Newsom has a “brain the size of a walnut.”

“I think Gavin Newsom is probably not pleased with some of what he said. Maybe he’s also a bit worried about his hair,” Bessent remarked on Politico’s “The Conversation.”

Newsom attended the event in Davos, where Donald Trump’s appearance attracted significant attention. Amid discussions, the Trump administration urged European nations to negotiate a deal with the United States regarding Greenland.

Having been a longstanding adversary of Trump, Newsom advised foreign leaders to cultivate a “backbone” in their dealings with the President. His remarks included comparing Trump to a Tyrannosaurus rex and even suggesting that the President should have brought “knee pads” for interactions with international officials.

Citing Newsom’s comments, Bessent retorted, saying, “This is diplomacy with Donald Trump. He’s a tyrannosaurid. You either partner with him or risk being devoured.” He expressed concern that if European leaders continued on their current trajectory, they might very well face the latter fate.

Bessent then dismissed Newsom’s comparisons, claiming that stepping onto the national stage is vastly different from being California’s governor, who lacks a substantial track record. “What does calling Trump a tyrannosaurus even imply?” he questioned, adding that perhaps Newsom could be viewed as a “brontosaurus with a brain of equal dimensions.”

In a somewhat playful remark, Bessent also quipped about the supposed “Trump Signature Series Kneepads” that Newsom took to the forum as part of his stunt. Additionally, Newsom was captured on camera with Alex Soros, which sparked some controversy online.

Responding to Bessent’s comparisons of him to a character from “American Psycho,” Newsom said, “I think they misunderstand us entirely.” He suggested that the Trump administration views the affordability agenda as something akin to living rent-free, an odd perspective indeed.

When asked about Newsom’s presence at the conference, Trump recalled their previously harmonious relationship, noting how it had deteriorated over time. Trump commented, “I had a very good relationship with him. We really…talked about this a lot, but somewhere along the line we lost our way.”

Fox Digital reached out to Newsom’s office for comments on Bessent’s remarks but did not obtain a swift reply.