President Donald Trump reignited his ongoing clash with California Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday, criticizing Democrats for forming a new clean energy agreement with Britain.
Trump called Newsom a “loser” and mocked him with the nickname “Gavin Newscam.” He stated it was “inappropriate” for the UK to engage with Newsom.
“The worst thing Britain can do is get involved with Gavin,” Trump commented to the media.
His remarks came in response to a memorandum Newsom signed in London with British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, aiming to enhance cooperation in clean energy.
This agreement focuses on speeding up investments, expanding clean energy technologies, and creating export opportunities for British businesses in California.
Trump bluntly criticized Newsom, telling Politico, “Everything he touches turns into trash.” He added, “His condition is hell and his environmental work is a disaster.”
Referring to California’s issues under Democratic leadership, Trump said, “People are leaving.” He cautioned Britain that partnering with Newsom might not be a wise move. “If they did to Britain what they did to California, this would be a less successful venture,” he warned.
He also questioned Newsom’s infrastructure record, asking, “How did he do the railroads? How did he handle the various projects?”
In response, Newsom countered Trump’s comments through a spokesperson, saying, “Donald Trump is knee-deep in coal and Big Oil, and is selling America’s future to China.” The spokesperson insisted that Governor Newsom would continue to lead despite Trump’s absence, emphasizing that foreign leaders are choosing California’s vision over Trump’s.
Trump has often portrayed California as a cautionary tale about Democratic governance, frequently citing the state’s troubled high-speed rail project which has been plagued by delays and budget overruns since it was approved over a decade ago.
Furthermore, Trump pointed to California’s recent population decline, attributing it partly to rising home prices and out-migration, which he blames on Democratic policies.
Meanwhile, Newsom has established himself as a vocal opponent of Trump, using social media to criticize the president and his administration. Throughout Trump’s presidency, California has initiated numerous lawsuits against the administration over issues like environmental policy, immigration enforcement, and healthcare.
