Trump and Newsom Exchange Jokes at Davos Despite Tensions

President Donald Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom displayed an unexpected camaraderie during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week. Despite their public disagreements and insults, the two leaders shared light-hearted moments behind the scenes on January 17, 2024, before Trump’s speech at the event.

According to journalist Mark Halperin, the encounter took place in a wide hallway where the two men engaged in “affable small talk.” Halperin noted that Trump showcased his signature charm, stating, “There was friendly banter all around, and mutual laughter when the president announced, ‘Gavin, we’re good.’” This interaction came as a surprise to many, considering their contentious history, particularly over California’s response to severe wildfires and Trump’s controversial deployment of federal agents to the state.

During his speech, Trump referred to Newsom with surprising warmth, mentioning that he “used to get along so great with Gavin” and labeling him “a good guy.” This remark elicited a bemused reaction from Newsom, who was present in the auditorium. However, by the evening of January 18, Trump reverted to his critical tone, posting on Truth Social that Newsom was a “Lame Duck” governor of a “Failing State.” Trump further criticized Newsom for not facilitating housing reconstruction in wildfire-affected areas and for the delays surrounding California’s high-speed rail project.

The backdrop of their interactions included a tense exchange earlier in the day, where Newsom participated in a panel hosted by Semafor’s editor-in-chief, Ben Smith. In his remarks, Newsom labeled Trump an “invasive species” and accused him of prioritizing personal gain over national interests. He emphasized the need to confront what he termed “Trumpism” with equal intensity.

Newsom also addressed comments made by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who had publicly mocked him. Bessent suggested that Newsom was “the only Californian who knows less about economics than Kamala Harris.” Newsom countered this by critiquing Bessent’s focus on trivial matters during a significant global event.

As the day progressed, Bessent continued his critique in an interview, expressing concern over Newsom’s mental state. He responded to the governor’s unusual comments about Trump, including a metaphor comparing him to a Tyrannosaurus rex, questioning their relevance and coherence.

The interactions between Trump and Newsom at Davos illustrate the complexities of political relationships, where private encounters can starkly contrast with public personas. Despite the banter, the underlying tensions remain palpable, reflecting a broader narrative of rivalry and resistance in American politics.