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Newsom Slams Trump at Munich Security Conference

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 19:17 GMT by Seattle Times
      Locales: GERMANY, UNITED STATES, FRANCE

MUNICH, Germany - February 14th, 2026 - California Governor Gavin Newsom is utilizing the prestigious Munich Security Conference to deliver a sustained and increasingly pointed critique of former President Donald Trump. This isn't a subtle disagreement; Newsom is openly and repeatedly framing Trump's actions and rhetoric as a direct threat to democratic principles, both within the United States and on the global stage.

Speaking on Friday during a panel discussion and in subsequent interviews with international press, Newsom argued that the normalization of certain behaviors under the Trump administration - dismissing the rule of law, questioning election integrity, and prioritizing transactional diplomacy over sustained engagement - represents a dangerous erosion of established norms. "You have to be willing to call out what's becoming normalized," Newsom stated emphatically. "It is normalized to dismiss the rule of law, it's normalized to question the integrity of elections, it's normalized to disregard diplomacy and engage in transactional diplomacy."

What makes Newsom's participation particularly noteworthy is his unofficial status. The Biden administration opted not to send a high-level delegation to the conference, a significant gathering of global leaders, diplomats, and security analysts. Newsom's presence as a representative of the United States, albeit in a personal capacity, allows him to essentially fill that void and deliver a message directly to the international community. This strategic positioning has fueled speculation about his future political aspirations, specifically a potential run for the presidency in 2028.

Newsom's remarks consistently highlight a perceived divergence between American and European approaches to global affairs. He contrasts Trump's "America First" policies with what he views as a more collaborative and values-driven European model. "I think there's a fundamental difference in how you look at the world," Newsom explained. "They are more committed to multilateralism. They are more committed to diplomacy. They are more committed to values." He subtly positions California, and by extension himself, as aligning more closely with these European values - a deliberate message likely intended to appeal to international audiences and showcase a different vision for American leadership.

The Governor's willingness to publicly criticize a former president, while representing the United States abroad, is highly unusual. While other American politicians have voiced opposition to Trump, Newsom's platform amplifies his message exponentially. It highlights the deep and persistent fractures within the Republican party and the broader American political landscape. This isn't merely a partisan squabble; it's a fundamental debate about the future direction of American foreign policy and its commitment to democratic ideals.

Observers note that Newsom has been steadily establishing himself as a prominent voice within the progressive wing of the Democratic party. His appearances at high-profile international events like the Munich Security Conference are widely seen as a calculated effort to raise his national profile and build relationships that could prove valuable in a future presidential campaign. The timing, coming in the final years of Biden's potential second term, adds another layer of intrigue.

Interestingly, Newsom hasn't shied away from expressing private criticisms of President Biden either. While he refrains from public attacks, sources indicate he has urged the current administration to adopt a more aggressive stance in countering Trump's continued influence, particularly among certain segments of the electorate. This suggests Newsom sees a gap in the current strategy and believes a more forceful response is necessary to safeguard democratic institutions.

When pressed on whether his critiques were intentionally provocative, Newsom dismissed the notion. "I'm not trying to be provocative," he insisted. "I'm trying to be honest. I'm trying to be authentic. And I'm trying to be clear about the stakes." However, the carefully chosen venue and the deliberate contrast with Trump's policies suggest a degree of strategic calculation. Newsom understands the power of the international stage and is leveraging it to shape the narrative and position himself as a leader capable of restoring American credibility and upholding democratic values abroad. The long-term implications of this bold move remain to be seen, but one thing is certain: Gavin Newsom is signaling his intentions, and the world is watching.