Wow! Nobody expected to see this.
President Donald Trump struck a surprisingly cordial tone toward California Governor Gavin Newsom during remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, signaling a brief cooling of tensions after a week of sharp public exchanges.
Speaking to an international audience, Trump acknowledged that Newsom was in attendance and reflected on their earlier working relationship. The president noted that during his first term, cooperation between the White House and California was strong, particularly during times when the state faced serious challenges.
Trump pointed to federal assistance provided to Los Angeles early in his presidency, emphasizing that collaboration between Washington and state leaders can deliver tangible results for citizens. He added that effective leadership requires putting results ahead of party labels, especially when public safety and economic stability are at stake.
“If you’re a governor and you want your state to succeed, you work with the president,” Trump said, underscoring his administration’s emphasis on reducing crime and restoring order nationwide.
WATCH:
🇺🇸 TRUMP: WE'LL BAIL OUT CALIFORNIA ON CRIME
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 21, 2026
"We're going to help the people in California.
We want to have no crime. I know Gavin was here.
I used to get along so great with Gavin when I was president.
Gavin's a good guy.
And we're going to, if he needed it, I would do it… https://t.co/rCG38NEpd6 pic.twitter.com/f7KMtIWuT0
The conciliatory tone followed several days of pointed criticism from Newsom while both sides were in Switzerland. Earlier in the week, Newsom took aim at Trump administration officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, questioning the administration’s economic messaging on housing affordability and retirement security.
Those comments drew pushback from the White House, with officials accusing the governor of misrepresenting U.S. policy while speaking abroad. White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai responded by saying California’s leadership should focus on addressing persistent issues at home, including crime, homelessness, and affordability.
Despite the momentary thaw, Trump has continued to voice concerns about the direction of California under Newsom’s leadership. During a White House press conference marking one year since his return to office, Trump said he was deeply dissatisfied with how the state is currently being governed.
The president also reiterated that his criticism is rooted in policy outcomes rather than personal differences, pointing to rising costs, public safety concerns, and quality-of-life issues affecting everyday Californians.
While the exchange at Davos suggested a temporary pause in hostilities, the broader policy divide between the Trump administration and California’s leadership remains firmly in place.
