Gavin Newsom Criticizes Trump at COP30 Summit, Highlights California’s Climate Initiatives
At the COP30 climate summit in Belem, Brazil, California Governor Gavin Newsom reaffirmed his state’s commitment to green technology, while sharply criticizing President Donald Trump for reversing climate policies. Newsom, considered a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, warned that Trump’s policies threaten both the rule of law and democracy.
During his participation at the summit in the Amazonian city, Newsom repeatedly criticized Trump’s actions against the clean energy sector, emphasizing that Republicans were surrendering the burgeoning clean energy market to China. He declared, “The United States of America is as dumb as we want to be on this topic, but the state of California is not. And so we are going to assert ourselves, we’re going to lean in, and we are going to compete in this space.”
Newsom, a notable adversary of Trump, has been hinting at a presidential bid in 2028. He avoided discussing his potential candidacy at the summit, focusing instead on the upcoming midterm U.S. congressional elections. “I don’t worry about 2028. I worry about fair and free elections. I’m more worried about 2026 and taking back the House of Representatives and getting the speakership,” he stated.
Expressing concern over recent Senate votes to end the U.S. government shutdown, Newsom criticized the decision but did not comment on whether he supports replacing Senator Chuck Schumer as the Democratic leader in the Senate.
California, boasting the world’s fourth-largest economy, has positioned itself as a leader in climate change initiatives. Newsom highlighted the state’s ambitious goals, such as decarbonizing by 2045 and banning new gasoline-powered cars by 2035. He stressed the importance of communicating climate change in relatable terms to the public: “Climate change seems abstract. We need to talk in terms that people understand.”
Trump, who has labeled climate change a “hoax,” has increased fossil fuel use and bypassed the COP30 summit. In contrast, California’s climate policies are among the world’s most progressive. Newsom emphasized California’s commitment to collaboration, stating, “But we can’t do that without all of you … So we’re here with an open hand, not a closed fist.”
Addressing investors in Sao Paulo, Newsom criticized the lack of U.S. leadership on climate issues, describing it as “jaw-dropping.” He also highlighted California’s success in the renewable energy sector, noting its significant job growth compared to fossil fuels and mentioning that Tesla was founded in California.
As Trump’s administration considers expanding drilling off California’s coast, Newsom labeled the initiative as “dead on arrival.” Diplomats have expressed concern about potential disruptions from Trump’s administration during the summit.
Newsom, reflecting on Trump’s presidency, said, “He’s the most unpopular president in U.S. history. That’s why he’s trying to rig the election,” and urged people to stand against what he described as Trump’s reckless and chaotic approach. “Trump is temporary. He’s reckless. He’s chaotic,” Newsom added. “People need to stand up. You need to stand up to a bully.”
Original Story at www.nbcnews.com