California Governor Gavin Newsom Faces Backlash for European Trip

Critics accuse Newsom of abandoning state issues to mingle with global elites

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing criticism from both Republican and Democratic state leaders for leaving the state to attend the Munich Security Conference in Germany, where he has been accused of 'lecturing everyone about climate change while attacking our president and undermining America's reputation.' Newsom's political opponents, including those running against him for governor, have accused him of neglecting the state's pressing issues like the cost-of-living crisis and homelessness epidemic in order to chase headlines and higher political office.

Why it matters

Newsom's European trip has sparked a backlash from state legislators who feel he is abandoning his responsibilities as governor to pursue his own political ambitions. The criticism highlights the tension between Newsom's national profile and his duty to address the pressing problems facing California.

The details

Along with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Newsom is one of three top Democrats with presidential aspirations attending the Munich Security Conference. During the conference, Newsom immediately attacked President Trump, accusing him of 'doubling down on stupid' on climate change. However, Newsom's European travels have sparked backlash from his political opponents in California, including Republican gubernatorial candidates Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco, as well as GOP state legislators who feel Newsom is neglecting his duties as governor.

  • Newsom is attending the Munich Security Conference this weekend (February 13-15, 2026).
  • Newsom gave a speech at the conference on Friday, February 13, 2026, where he criticized President Trump.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The current Democratic governor of California who is facing criticism for leaving the state to attend an international conference in Germany.

Steve Hilton

A former Fox News host who is running for California governor as a Republican.

Chad Bianco

The Riverside County Sheriff who is also running for California governor as a Republican.

Suzette Martinez Valladares

A Republican state senator in California who criticized Newsom for leaving the state during the legislative session.

Carl DeMaio

A Republican Assemblymember from San Diego who is a fierce critic of Governor Newsom.

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What they’re saying

“There's something seriously wrong with Gavin Newsom. Just weeks after humiliating himself at Davos, he flies back to Europe so he can lecture everyone about climate change while attacking our president and undermining America's reputation. And for what? To pander to a bunch of foreign leaders and left wing activists back home who can't get enough of Newsom's anti-Trump preening.”

— Steve Hilton, Republican candidate for California governor (The Post)

“We know that's what he's doing, but honestly for us here in California, we're probably better off with him gone. He can go to another country and that means we are saved from him for the moment.”

— Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff and Republican candidate for California governor (The Post)

“Once again, at a time when families here at home are being crushed by a cost-of-living crisis and businesses are struggling to stay afloat, the governor has chosen to leave the state for another overseas conference. California families don't have the luxury of walking away from their problems, and neither should their governor. Leadership means being present and accountable, not chasing headlines and higher office.”

— Suzette Martinez Valladares, Republican state senator (The Post)

“California is a complete mess with high cost of living, budget crisis, the worst job market, and a homelessness epidemic. But instead of fixing the problems he created back home, Gavin Newsom is running around the world to suck up to foreign leaders. Newsom should stay home and clean up the mess he's created.”

— Carl DeMaio, Republican Assemblymember (The Post)

What’s next

Newsom's European trip and criticism from state leaders will likely fuel further speculation about his presidential ambitions and his commitment to addressing California's pressing issues. The governor's political opponents may use this episode to attack his leadership and fitness for office.

The takeaway

Newsom's decision to leave California to attend an international conference in Germany has sparked a backlash from both Republican and Democratic state leaders who feel he is neglecting his duties as governor in order to boost his national profile and political aspirations. This episode highlights the tension between Newsom's national ambitions and his responsibility to address the significant challenges facing California.