California Governor Gavin Newsom's scheduled participation in a "fireside chat" at USA House during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, was reportedly canceled on January 21, 2026. The cancellation led to differing accounts regarding the reasons behind it, with Newsom's office attributing the decision to pressure from the Trump administration, while Fortune magazine and USA House cited logistical considerations. During his time at Davos, Governor Newsom made several public statements criticizing the Trump administration, while representatives of the administration also publicly criticized Newsom.
Reported Event Cancellation
Governor Gavin Newsom was scheduled to engage in a "fireside chat" with Fortune magazine at USA House, described as an "official U.S. venue" at the World Economic Forum. The event was reportedly canceled on January 21, 2026.
Newsom's office stated that the Trump administration prevented him from speaking at USA House. His staff indicated they were informed a "venue-level decision" was made "not to include an elected U.S. official" in the programming. Newsom's office subsequently released a statement claiming that USA House denied him entry "Under pressure from the White House and State Department." USA House is privately organized, does not represent the U.S. government, and is sponsored by companies including Microsoft, Pfizer, and Ripple. Newsom described the venue as "a church acting as the official US pavilion."
Fortune magazine confirmed that Governor Newsom had been invited to speak but reported that "USA House determined it would not be able to accommodate the governor's participation." The magazine added that while it independently programs editorial conversations, programming can be affected by "logistical, security, and other access considerations that involve multiple stakeholders and evolve over time."
Following the cancellation, Newsom was offered a "VIP nightcap" reception for an off-the-record discussion, which he declined.
Governor Newsom's Actions and Statements
On January 22, Governor Newsom publicly displayed red knee pads at the WEF, suggesting they were intended for leaders he characterized as "selling out" to the Trump administration. He informed attendees that the knee pads, one of which featured former U.S. President Donald Trump's signature, were available for purchase via a website he had established and were also available in bulk. He mentioned a previous supply had sold out, drawing a parallel to law firms, American universities, and corporate leaders he claimed were "selling out."
Earlier, on January 20, Newsom had stated that world leaders were "rolling over" for Trump, expressing, "I can't take this complicity of people rolling over," and commenting that he "should have brought a bunch of knee pads for all the world leaders."
Regarding the cancellation of his speaking event, Newsom stated on social media, "How weak and pathetic do you have to be to be this scared of a fireside chat?" He also told attendees on January 22 that he was prevented from speaking at what he described as a "well established event." Newsom had reportedly intended to respond to President Trump's earlier speech at the forum.
During his three-day trip to Davos, Newsom urged global leaders to "stand tall and firm" against what he described as Trump's actions and rhetoric, criticizing what he perceived as "complicity." He also made a comparison, stating, "There’s no diplomacy with Donald Trump: he’s a T rex. You mate with him or he devours you."
After President Trump's speech at the WEF, Newsom described it as "remarkably boring" to a CNN reporter and later wrote on social media, "Good seats. Bad speech." Newsom was observed smiling and chuckling during parts of Trump's address that referenced him.
Trump Administration's and Other Reactions
President Donald Trump addressed the World Economic Forum, with his speech including comments on acquiring Greenland and criticism of European allies. During his address, Trump referenced Newsom, stating, "We're going to help the people in California. We want to have no crime," and "I know Gavin was here. I used to get along so great with Gavin when I was president. Gavin is a good guy."
A White House spokesperson did not confirm or deny blocking Newsom's speech. Instead, the spokesperson issued a statement criticizing Newsom, stating, "No one in Davos knows who third-rate governor Newscum is or why he is frolicking around Switzerland instead of fixing the many problems he created in California." The State Department referred to this statement for comment.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also criticized Governor Newsom at an event in Davos, targeting his economic policies. Bessent mentioned "outward migration from California, a gigantic budget deficit, the largest homeless population in America." He also described Newsom as "too smug, too self-absorbed and too economically illiterate" and hinted that Newsom's scheduled appearance might not proceed as planned.
Broader Political Context
Governor Newsom is considered a potential Democratic presidential candidate for 2028 and has engaged in prior public disagreements with former President Trump. In Davos, Newsom sought to position California as an alternative to federal policies.
Trump later commented on Newsom's potential 2028 presidential run, expressing doubt about his nomination and dissatisfaction with how California is governed. Newsom has previously accused the Trump administration of delaying billions in requested recovery funding for Los Angeles County wildfire victims and stated that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) denied his request for a meeting regarding long-term disaster funding appeals.