Trump Slams AOC and Newsom as 'Incompetent' After Munich Appearances

The former president criticized the congresswoman and California governor for their comments about the U.S. on the global stage.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 5:15pm

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President Donald Trump lashed out at Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and California Governor Gavin Newsom over their appearances at the 2026 Munich Security Conference, calling them "incompetent" and saying they "made fools of themselves" by criticizing the U.S. on "foreign soil." Trump praised his Secretary of State Marco Rubio's performance at the conference, while attacking Newsom for "destroying California" and saying he never "really got to know" AOC.

Why it matters

Trump's attacks on AOC and Newsom reflect the ongoing political divisions in the U.S. and the former president's continued efforts to position himself and his allies as the true representatives of American interests on the global stage.

The details

In comments to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he watched Newsom and AOC "answering basic questions" at the Munich Security Conference and found their performances lacking. He accused Newsom of "destroying California" and said he never "really got to know" AOC. Trump also praised his Secretary of State Marco Rubio's performance at the conference.

  • Trump made the comments on Monday, February 17, 2026, while aboard Air Force One.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who has remained a prominent political figure since leaving office.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

A Democratic Congresswoman from New York who has been a vocal critic of Trump and his policies.

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic Governor of California who has also been critical of Trump and his administration.

Marco Rubio

The current Secretary of State under the Trump administration, whom the former president praised for his performance at the Munich Security Conference.

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What they’re saying

“I watched AOC answering questions in Munich – this was not a good look for the United States.”

— Donald Trump, Former President

“I watched Gavin 'Newscum' answering questions in Munich, and this was a bad look for our country.”

— Donald Trump, Former President

“These two people are incompetent. At least Hillary is competent. She's just 'Trump deranged.'”

— Donald Trump, Former President

“Never in the history of the United States of America has there been a more destructive president than the current occupant of the White House.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

“Marco was fantastic in Munich!”

— Donald Trump, Former President

The takeaway

Trump's attacks on AOC and Newsom highlight the ongoing political tensions in the U.S. and the former president's continued efforts to position himself and his allies as the true representatives of American interests on the global stage, even as he criticizes others for speaking out against the country on foreign soil.