California Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticized President Donald Trump, saying, “Donald Trump is a failed president. He’ll be briefly remembered, and only for chaos and incompetence — nothing more!” The comments come amid heightened scrutiny of the Trump administration following a controversial reception for Vice President J.D. Vance at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Milan.
Donald Trump is a failed president. He’ll be briefly remembered, and only for chaos and incompetence — nothing more!
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) February 7, 2026
Newsom also condemned the reaction to Vance, who was booed and met with whistles from the audience as he appeared on the Jumbotron alongside his wife, Usha Vance. “Donald Trump and J.D. Vance have RUINED America’s reputation on the global stage. We are now BOOED and LAUGHED at by the world! Total disgrace,” Newsom said, connecting the crowd’s response to the leadership of the current administration.
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance have RUINED America's reputation on the global stage.
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) February 6, 2026
We are now BOOED and LAUGHED at by the world!
Total disgrace. https://t.co/TQxio764yW
The boos directed at Vance occurred amid protests in Milan over U.S. immigration policies, highlighting how domestic political issues are resonating on the international stage. Television commentators described the scene as “jeering, some applause” before the broadcast moved on to other parts of the ceremony. President Trump, expressed surprise at the reaction, noting that Vance “doesn’t get booed in this country.”
Reporter: Did you see that the VP Vance got booed at the Olympics?
— Acyn (@Acyn) February 7, 2026
Trump: That’s surprising because people like him. He doesn’t get booed in this country. pic.twitter.com/cmbfm21FNm
The incident has also sparked discussion about the future political landscape. Betting markets, such as PolyMarket, currently place Newsom’s chances of winning the presidency in 2028 at 19%, while Vice President Vance is slightly higher at 25%. The numbers illustrate both the prominence of these figures in national politics and the continued attention to their leadership roles abroad.
The episode underscores ongoing concerns from some Democrats that the Trump administration’s actions have eroded the United States’ credibility internationally, a point Newsom emphasized with his direct critique.
