Newsom Calls Trump 'Code Red' for Climate Leadership

California governor says Trump's EPA rollbacks are a 'death sentence' for American automakers.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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California Governor Gavin Newsom has strongly criticized President Donald Trump's recent move to repeal the EPA's endangerment finding, which gave the agency authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Newsom called Trump's actions 'a moral moment' and said the president is a 'wholly owned subsidiary of big oil, gas, and coal.' The governor argued that climate change is an economic and competitiveness issue, not just an environmental one, and urged corporate leaders to stand up against Trump's policies.

Why it matters

Newsom's comments highlight the growing divide between California and the federal government on climate policy. As the fourth largest economy in the world, California has been a leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy. Newsom's criticism of Trump's actions could galvanize opposition to the administration's environmental deregulation efforts.

The details

Newsom made the comments during a panel at the Munich Security Conference on February 13, 2026. He said that Trump's repeal of the EPA's endangerment finding, which was established during the Obama administration, would make the U.S. 'less safe, less healthy and less able to fight climate change.' Newsom argued that this move was designed to benefit the fossil fuel industry at the expense of public health and the environment. The governor also announced a $200 million proposal to revive California's electric vehicle market, challenging automakers to match state incentives dollar-for-dollar.

  • On February 12, 2026, President Trump repealed the EPA's endangerment finding.
  • On February 13, 2026, Newsom made his comments at the Munich Security Conference.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California and a potential 2028 presidential candidate.

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States who has rolled back numerous environmental regulations.

Barack Obama

The former President of the United States who established the EPA's endangerment finding during his administration.

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What they’re saying

“Pollution is an act of theft in the health of a nation. Never in the history of the United States of America has there been a more destructive president than the current occupant in the White House in Washington, D.C. He's trying to recreate the 19th century. He's a wholly owned subsidiary of big oil, gas, and coal.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (time.com)

“Today, the Trump administration repealed the endangerment finding: the ruling that served as the basis for limits on tailpipe emissions and power plant rules. Without it, we'll be less safe, less healthy and less able to fight climate change—all so the fossil fuel industry can make even more money.”

— Barack Obama (time.com)

What’s next

Newsom announced a $200 million proposal to revive California's electric vehicle market, challenging automakers to match state incentives dollar-for-dollar. The governor also urged corporate leaders to take a stand against Trump's environmental policies.

The takeaway

Newsom's strong criticism of Trump's climate policies highlights the growing divide between California and the federal government on this issue. As a potential 2028 presidential candidate, Newsom's stance could influence the national political debate around climate change and environmental protection.