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Washington Today
By the People, for the People
Newsom Urges European Leaders To Look Beyond Trump: 'Trump Is Temporary'
California governor pitches states as reliable partners amid federal unpredictability
Published on Feb. 15, 2026
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Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) pressed European officials to keep building direct working relationships with U.S. states, arguing that President Trump will not define the U.S. forever. Newsom framed the subnational pitch as a way to keep commerce and policy coordination steady even if Washington becomes unpredictable, pointing to California as a partner that can keep commitments.
Why it matters
Newsom's message resonates globally as Europe grapples with the impact of Trump-era uncertainty on transatlantic relations. He argues that strengthening ties with U.S. states can serve as a hedge against federal unpredictability and help maintain cooperation even as federal politics lurch.
The details
At the Munich Security Conference, Newsom urged European leaders to not wait for Washington to settle before acting, and that deals with states can keep cooperation moving. He contrasted "the rule of law" with "the rule of Don," warning against an "imperial presidency." Newsom also tied the stakes to economic fallout, describing Trump as "a wrecking ball" heading to Davos "to brag about wrecking the American economy."
- On Saturday, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) used the Munich Security Conference to deliver his message.
- Last month at Davos, Newsom featured a deliberately confrontational message aimed at Europe's capitals.
The players
Gavin Newsom
The Democratic governor of California who is leading many early polls for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination.
Donald Trump
The former president of the United States whose influence Newsom argues will not define the U.S. forever.
Marco Rubio
The U.S. Secretary of State who argued "The alliance has to change" and criticized Europe for drifting from shared Western values.
Emmanuel Macron
The French President who warned Europe would not be pushed around by "bullies" and cautioned that giving in on tariffs could lead to "vassalization."
What they’re saying
“Trump is temporary”
— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (Munich Security Conference)
“This guy's a wrecking ball. This is code red.”
— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (Davos)
“The alliance has to change.”
— Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State (Munich Security Conference)
“If it's about an imperialism and an imperial presidency, I don't necessarily [align with Rubio's remarks].”
— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (Munich Security Conference)
What’s next
Newsom's message at the Munich Security Conference and Davos highlights the growing divide between the U.S. and Europe, and the need for European leaders to strengthen ties with U.S. states as a hedge against federal unpredictability.
The takeaway
Newsom's pitch for European leaders to build direct working relationships with U.S. states reflects his view that Trump's influence is temporary and that states can serve as reliable partners amid federal unpredictability. This strategy aims to maintain cooperation and commerce even as federal politics lurch.
