California Gov. Gavin Newsom is using the Davos forum as somewhat of a global showcase, inserting himself into international economic and political conversations in a way that increasingly resembles a shadow presidency — and a direct counterweight to President Donald Trump.
From meeting with Democratic mega-donor Alex Soros to fireside chats and high-profile media appearances, Newsom is trying to position California as a global power center and using the World Economic Forum to contrast his vision with Trump’s nationalism on trade, climate, and democracy.
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA), center rear, listens to the address of President Donald Trump during the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
The strategy echoes Newsom’s earlier attempt to play global
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