California Governor Gavin Newsom delivered a scathing rebuke to President Donald Trump's absence at COP30, labeling it an "abdication of duty" and saying that the US had created an opening for China to exert greater influence on the global stage.
Newsom made his remarks during a panel discussion at the climate conference in Belem, Brazil, where he cited Republican leaders from California, including Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon, who spearheaded efforts to reduce water and air pollution. He also highlighted California's role as an innovator in clean energy initiatives.
The move comes ahead of Newsom's potential presidential bid in 2028. When asked about the possibility of running for president, he declined to take the bait, instead focusing on his call to action for world leaders to adopt a unifying approach when addressing climate change and scepticism towards it.
Newsom criticized Trump's climate policies, saying that they were based on "stupid people" who have cost their countries fortunes. He also expressed outrage over Trump's military campaign against maritime vessels alleged to be drug-smuggling boats, calling for due process and the rule of law to prevail.
In a further jab at Trump, Newsom questioned why news of his administration's proposal to allow offshore drilling along the California coastline broke during COP30, suggesting that it was an attempt to draw attention away from the conference.
Newsom made his remarks during a panel discussion at the climate conference in Belem, Brazil, where he cited Republican leaders from California, including Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon, who spearheaded efforts to reduce water and air pollution. He also highlighted California's role as an innovator in clean energy initiatives.
The move comes ahead of Newsom's potential presidential bid in 2028. When asked about the possibility of running for president, he declined to take the bait, instead focusing on his call to action for world leaders to adopt a unifying approach when addressing climate change and scepticism towards it.
Newsom criticized Trump's climate policies, saying that they were based on "stupid people" who have cost their countries fortunes. He also expressed outrage over Trump's military campaign against maritime vessels alleged to be drug-smuggling boats, calling for due process and the rule of law to prevail.
In a further jab at Trump, Newsom questioned why news of his administration's proposal to allow offshore drilling along the California coastline broke during COP30, suggesting that it was an attempt to draw attention away from the conference.
I'm so hyped about Gavin Newsom speaking out against Trump's lack of action on climate change! Like, what is going on in that dude's head? 
We need more leaders like Newsom who actually care about the planet. And can we talk about how low-key snarky he was when dissing Trump? "Stupid people" is EVERYTHING 
. I'm living for this, btw - 2028 can't come soon enough! 
This is the kind of leadership we need right now. Newsom's all about clean energy and innovation - that's the kinda vibe I'm here for 
It's like they're trying to one-up him on climate change, which is actually kinda awesome. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good jab at Trump's expense? I mean, "stupid people" is low, but I'm here for it 
. Newsom's right though, we do need world leaders to take this seriously and stop playing politics on the environment. Maybe he's trying to position himself as that leader in 2028? Either way, I'm stoked to see some real talk about climate change – it's about time! 
, but at the same time, I think he's being a bit too harsh and divisive about it 
. I mean, Trump did mention climate change in his State of the Union address, so what's the big deal? 
. Plus, why is Newsom so quick to bring up Trump's military actions? Shouldn't we be focusing on finding solutions instead of tearing each other down? 
And what's with the jab about offshore drilling? Just trying to distract us from the real issues, right? 
while he's off making a mess elsewhere... I mean, come on, Gavin's right, it's an abdication of duty. What's up with that? And btw, who needs offshore drilling when you've got wind and solar energy at your fingertips? 
California's been leading the charge on clean energy for years, let's see some real action from the rest of the world 
.
. Newsom's comments about Trump's absence being an "abdication of duty" kinda hit the nail on the head 
. It's like, if we want to address this crisis, we can't just sit back and let other countries take over 
. We need US leaders to be leading by example and showing some real commitment to change 
I can feel the frustration and disappointment coming from Gavin Newsom's words... it's like he's carrying a weight on his shoulders 
. Newsom's criticism hits close to home, especially for California and its role in clean energy initiatives 
. But at the same time, I want to believe that there are leaders like Gavin Newsom out there who genuinely care about making a difference 
. Let's keep hoping for a better future 
.
The US is responsible for around 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and now Trump's out? 
Did you know that the state has set a goal to reach 100% carbon neutrality by 2045? 
The US is also home to some of the world's most innovative companies in the field of climate tech! 
What's Trump's plan to tackle climate change, eh? 
. And btw, why is it always the US trying to take control on everything? Can't we all just get along and work together for once? 
I'm so done with leaders like Trump who think the world is their personal playground 
Let's focus on innovation and progress, not petty power struggles 
. We need leaders like Newsom who are willing to call out the status quo and push for real change 
, I think it's so cool how Gavin Newsom is speaking up for climate action and holding leaders like Trump accountable 
! Interesting that he mentioned Reagan and Nixon, who were actually ahead of their time with pollution reduction efforts 
.
and his military campaign against smuggling boats just seems like a waste of resources 
and we should be supporting leaders who actually care about our planet 
newsom's comments were refreshing, especially since he didn't take the bait when asked about running for president 
I'm low-key worried about the future, man. If Trump's absence at COP30 is an abdication of duty, what does that say about his commitment to climate change? 
We need world leaders working together to address this issue, not just making empty statements. The US has a huge role to play in reducing emissions and promoting clean energy... but Trump's policies seem like they're moving us in the opposite direction. 