Florida Governor Ron DeSantis sharply criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom this week, accusing him of prioritizing international political attacks over addressing what DeSantis described as California’s worsening domestic problems, including homelessness, crime, and population decline.
DeSantis’ remarks came in response to Newsom’s recent comments abroad, where the California governor criticized President Donald Trump while attending international events in Davos. According to DeSantis, Newsom’s decision to urge foreign leaders to oppose the sitting U.S. president reflects misplaced priorities at a time when California is facing significant internal challenges.
“He’s out there frolicking around in Davos, basically attacking the President of the United States, urging foreign leaders to rally against him while he’s on foreign soil,” DeSantis said. “And he has a record where people are leaving the state. They’ve obviously had a lot of problems with homelessness, and they’ve had a lot of problems with crime.”
Governor DeSantis blasts Gavin Newsom for attacking President Trump abroad, saying he should focus on California’s massive population loss, rising crime, and homelessness:
— Sean Hannity 🇺🇸 (@seanhannity) January 24, 2026
“He’s out there frolicking around in Davos, basically attacking the President of the United States, urging… pic.twitter.com/N46KUgSBl9
California has experienced sustained population losses in recent years, with residents relocating to other states amid concerns over cost of living, housing shortages, public safety, and quality of life. Homelessness remains a defining issue in the state, with large encampments in major cities and ongoing struggles to expand housing, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment. Crime, particularly property crime and retail theft, has also drawn national attention and fueled debate over law enforcement policies and criminal justice reforms championed by state leaders.
DeSantis also pointed to Newsom’s political alliances, referencing a recently circulated image of the California governor with Alex Soros. “Showing that picture of him with Alex Soros was very fitting,” DeSantis said. “Because this governor has Soros-ed California.” He argued that progressive policies supported by left-wing donors and activists have reshaped the state in ways that have driven residents and businesses away.
“It used to be the place where everyone wanted to go,” DeSantis continued. “And now they are losing population and continue to do so because they have enacted those left-wing policies that have failed.”
The comments add to the ongoing and highly public feud between Newsom and President Trump, which has frequently played out through public statements, social media posts, and competing policy narratives. Newsom has positioned himself as one of Trump’s most vocal critics, often framing California as a counterweight to the administration’s approach on issues ranging from immigration to climate policy. Trump, in turn, has repeatedly criticized California’s leadership over homelessness, crime, and governance, blaming state policies for what he calls the decline of once-thriving cities.
DeSantis’ intervention places him squarely in that broader national debate, reinforcing contrasts between Republican-led states and Democratic strongholds, while also highlighting growing tensions over how U.S. leaders represent the country on the international stage versus addressing challenges at home.
