California Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticized world leaders for what he described as “complicity” in dealing with President Donald Trump, calling their approach “pathetic” and embarrassing from an American perspective. Speaking in a recent interview, Newsom expressed frustration over what he sees as a lack of principle and firmness in international diplomacy.
“I can’t take this complicity—people rolling over. I should have brought a bunch of knee pads for all the world leaders. I mean, handing out crowns and handing… I mean, this is pathetic. Nobel Prizes that are being given away… it’s just pathetic,” Newsom said. He emphasized that the behavior of some global leaders undermines their credibility, noting that “at least from an American perspective, it’s embarrassing.”
NEW – Governor Newsom says Europeans should "stand tall and firm, have a backbone… I should have brought a bunch of knee pads for all the world leaders… Diplomacy with Donald Trump? He's a T-Rex. You mate with him or he devours you." pic.twitter.com/haa3UNwOFr
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) January 20, 2026
Newsom framed his comments around a broader call for strength and unity, urging both domestic and international leaders to “buck up” and stop being complicit. “It’s time to stand tall and firm, have a backbone. I’ve seen this in the United States—the supine Congress playing both sides, saying one thing in a text or tweet and another publicly. It’s time to have principle. It’s time to stand tall and strong. It’s time to stand united,” he said.
The governor offered a characterization of diplomatic relations with Trump, likening interactions to dealing with a predator. “When you say standing collectively, this is diplomacy with Donald Trump. He’s a T-Rex. You mate with him or he devours you. One or the other. And people need to stand,” he explained, suggesting that a firm stance is the only effective way to navigate negotiations with the president.
Newsom also directed his criticism at European governments, arguing that their current approach fails to address challenges in a timely or effective manner. “The Europeans, if they continue down this path and process, need to stand tall, stand firm, stand united. We should have been having this conversation a year ago, and they didn’t. Now you’re paying the price—exactly what any objective observer would have anticipated,” he said.
The governor’s remarks come amid ongoing international discussions over strategic and security issues, including President Trump’s push to secure Greenland as a U.S. territory—a plan that has drawn resistance from Denmark and other European allies. Newsom’s comments reflect broader concerns among U.S. officials and politicians about perceived weaknesses in global diplomatic coordination and the handling of high-stakes negotiations with the Trump administration.
By highlighting what he sees as a lack of principle and collective strength, Newsom is calling for a more assertive approach among both American and European leaders, framing it as essential to maintaining credibility and protecting national and international interests.
