Newsom Fires Back At Bessent
California Governor Gavin Newsom found himself at the center of fresh political controversy this week after responding to pointed remarks made by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Speaking publicly at the international gathering, Newsom criticized Bessent for what he characterized as an unnecessary and personal critique delivered on a global economic stage. The governor suggested the Treasury secretary’s comments distracted from serious policy discussions at a forum intended to address worldwide financial challenges.
Bessent’s remarks, made a day earlier, drew attention after he compared Newsom to exaggerated pop-culture figures, including Patrick Bateman from the film American Psycho, while also referencing a stylized “Ken doll” image. The Treasury secretary used the comparison to question Newsom’s economic leadership and policy understanding.
Bessent went further by suggesting that Newsom’s grasp of fiscal issues was weaker than that of Vice President Kamala Harris, a comment that quickly circulated across political media and social platforms.
The exchange underscores the growing friction between Democratic governors and senior officials serving under President Donald Trump during his second term. Newsom has emerged as one of the most outspoken Democratic critics of the Trump administration, frequently positioning himself as a national countervoice to the White House.
In recent months, Newsom’s press office has adopted a sharper communications strategy, often using bold language and attention-grabbing messaging to respond to Republican leaders — a style some observers note mirrors Trump’s own approach to political messaging.
While in Davos, Newsom also dismissed President Trump’s address to the forum, calling it unremarkable and suggesting it failed to resonate with international audiences. He spent much of his time engaging with global leaders and media while continuing to criticize Trump-era economic and governance policies.
Political analysts note that Newsom’s prominent presence on the world stage comes amid renewed speculation about his national ambitions. The California governor is widely viewed as a potential 2028 presidential contender, particularly as Democrats attempt to rebuild momentum following mixed polling results and recent election cycles.
Despite claims of renewed optimism from Democratic leaders, Republicans continue to maintain strong support among older voters, especially on issues such as inflation, public safety, and federal spending — areas that remain central to upcoming national debates.
