Newsom needs to do his job.
As California Struggles, Newsom Returns to Europe
California Governor Gavin Newsom is once again overseas — marking his second European trip in just three weeks — while many voters back home say the state faces urgent problems that demand attention.
The Democratic governor traveled to Germany for the prestigious Munich Security Conference, an invite-only gathering of global leaders, defense officials, and policymakers. Critics argue the timing raises serious questions as California families continue to grapple with high living costs, housing shortages, and economic strain.
Critics Question Newsom’s Priorities
The conference is being held at the historic Hotel Bayerischer Hof and the luxury Rosewood Munich in Old Town Munich.
While in Germany, Newsom participated in panels focused on climate policy and transatlantic relations. He is also expected to meet with European officials, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Back home, Republican leaders and President Trump argue the governor should be concentrating on California’s affordability crisis instead of attending international conferences.
Several state lawmakers criticized the optics of another overseas trip so soon after Newsom attended the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year.
Climate Debate: Trump vs. Newsom
At the center of Newsom’s remarks in Munich was his criticism of President Donald Trump and the administration’s efforts to revisit federal climate regulations.
The debate involves the 2009 “endangerment finding” issued under former President Barack Obama, which classified greenhouse gas emissions as harmful to public health and gave the Environmental Protection Agency authority to regulate them.
President Trump’s administration has argued that rolling back certain climate mandates could reduce vehicle costs and ease regulatory pressure on American manufacturers. EPA officials have estimated potential savings of approximately $2,400 per vehicle if certain rules are revised.
Newsom countered that environmental regulations have helped drive innovation, including early growth incentives that benefited companies such as Tesla.
During the panel, Newsom suggested that President Trump’s policies could harm long-term competitiveness — a claim that sparked debate among conference attendees.
Is This About Diplomacy — or 2028?
The Munich Security Conference has increasingly become a stage for American political figures with national ambitions.
Other Democrats reportedly in attendance include:
- Sen. Mark Kelly
- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
With speculation already swirling about the 2028 presidential race, political observers note that international appearances often help candidates build foreign policy credentials.
For conservative voters, however, the key issue remains closer to home: leadership accountability.
Who Funded the Trip?
Newsom’s travel expenses were reportedly covered by the California State Protocol Foundation, a nonprofit that supports official events and international delegations. State records show the organization has raised millions of dollars since 2019 to fund travel and related activities.
Major donors have included philanthropic foundations and university institutions supporting climate-related initiatives.
The governor’s office declined to confirm which hotel he is staying at during his visit, citing security concerns.
The Bigger Question for California Voters
Supporters argue that global engagement enhances California’s economic and diplomatic influence.
Critics argue that international appearances should come only after pressing state-level issues are resolved.
As inflation, public safety, energy costs, and housing affordability continue to dominate kitchen-table conversations across the state, many voters are asking a simple question:
Should California’s governor be overseas — or at home fixing California?
