Newsom Critiques Trump at COP30 Climate Summit
California Governor Gavin Newsom took a strong stance at the COP30 climate change summit in Brazil, criticizing President Donald Trump for his “stupid” disregard for climate issues. Newsom traveled over 5,000 miles to attend the United Nations climate conference taking place in Belem, Brazil.
According to reports, Newsom labeled Trump’s policies as a “threat to the rule of law and democracy.” He emphasized that his presence there was justified by what he described as “Donald Trump’s lack of leadership.” The governor accused Trump of neglecting his role in addressing climate change.
In his address to local and international delegates, Newsom highlighted California’s progressive policies as a counter to Trump’s agenda, asserting that California stands as the “most un-Trump state.” He expressed his belief that Trump’s administration is regressing the country, stating that they seem to be trying to take us back to past centuries, particularly in terms of climate policy.
“America is just as foolish as we want to be on this matter, but California isn’t going to bend,” he said. Newsom reiterated California’s commitment to climate action, declaring, “Donald Trump is temporary,” while emphasizing that the state remains focused on long-term goals.
When asked about possible presidential aspirations in 2028, Newsom deflected, indicating that his priorities are closer to home—particularly the upcoming midterm elections in 2026. He expressed concern over the integrity of elections and the need to regain the House of Representatives.
During the summit, he also criticized the 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, referring to it as the “Bolsonaro tariff” and calling for negotiations to address it. He dismissed the tariffs as both “a joke and an abomination,” adding, “Let’s negotiate a surplus with you. It’s ridiculous. It’s illegal, and it’s under review by the U.S. Supreme Court.”
Overall, Newsom focused on condemning Trump’s stance during his participation in COP30, aligning with views shared by some leftists in Latin America. His comments reflect a blend of local and international challenges that he believes must be addressed actively.
