Scott Bessent Critiques Gavin Newsom’s Leadership

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made waves with his pointed remarks about California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday, jokingly noting that the former governor “has the wrong haircut.” While speaking with the far-left Politico, Bessent commented, “Gavin Newsom might be furious about some of the things he’s said. I think he’s a bit preoccupied with his hair.”

In a related discussion, he remarked on Newsom’s unflattering comparison of Donald Trump to a dinosaur. Bessent quipped, “People throw around terms like President Trump being a tyrannosaurus—what’s that even supposed to mean? Gavin Newsom strikes me more as a brontosaurus with a brain the size of a walnut.”

Bessent sarcastically added, “And if he brought kneepads, maybe it was for a meeting with Alex Soros,” referring to Newsom’s display of kneepads at the World Economic Forum, which he used to mock world leaders for their interactions with President Trump.

By the way, how did Newsom avoid violating the Logan Act with these antics? Upon arriving at the forum, he urged European leaders not to yield to Trump’s demands on various matters. During a conference, he even waved a kneepad bearing Trump’s signature to mock those he thought were too accommodating.

Some might argue that only the President should influence U.S. foreign policy. I mean, what Newsom did feels, honestly, like treason in a way. Actively trying to undermine American foreign policy is quite serious. So it’s understandable why the Trump administration has opted for ridicule over anger. It’s probably more effective, I guess, but still…

This wasn’t Bessent’s first jab at Newsom during the WEF this week. Previously, he lambasted the governor’s actions and decisions. “It’s quite ironic that Governor Newsom, who embodies the extravagant style of someone like Patrick Bateman, might be one of the few Californians who knows less about economics than Kamala Harris,” he pointed out.

He continued, “He’s here with his billionaire benefactor, Alex Soros, at Davos—perfect for a guy dining at the French Laundry for $1,000 per night while others were stuck at home on lockdown, even arresting churchgoers.” Bessent then hit hard again: “He’s mingling with the world’s elite while many Californians are homeless. Shame on him.”

Humor can be a powerful weapon in politics. Mocking someone can change public perception and undermine their position as a leader. However, for jokes to be effective, they need to stem from truth. Attempts to ridicule Trump have often missed the mark because they were based on untruths. When humor resonates, it tends to humanize rather than alienate.

Oh, and if Newsom is seen as some kind of beacon of hope for the Democratic Party, I wonder how Vice President J.D. Vance would handle this situation. It certainly sounds like a chance for him to shine, given the circumstances.