Gavin Newsom’s appearance at Davos turned awkward after a failed attempt to mock President Trump and European leaders. What was meant as a viral jab instead drew criticism and embarrassment. The incident underscored widening gaps between Democrats and global elites.
Gavin Newsom mocked Trump at Davos with a “knee pads” stunt aimed at Europe—but the joke fell flat. European elites and Trump officials weren’t impressed, reinforcing how isolated U.S. Democrats appeared at the forum. #GavinNewsom #Davos #Trump pic.twitter.com/YlgG1nrgYQ
— Matthew Brady (@mattbrady775) January 25, 2026
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in January 2026.
- During side events, Newsom mocked European leaders for what he described as deference to President Donald Trump, repeatedly joking they should “wear knee pads.”
- Newsom escalated the joke by bringing physical knee pads on stage, drawing mixed reactions and visible discomfort from attendees.
- Some audience members laughed, but the stunt reportedly hurt Newsom’s credibility among European elites.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent publicly ridiculed Newsom’s behavior, continuing a history of sharp personal criticism.
- Former Vice President Al Gore also clashed with Trump administration officials at Davos, heckling Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick after a speech criticizing globalism.
- The episode highlighted growing tension between U.S. Democrats and the Davos-centric global policy crowd.
