California Governor Gavin Newsom addressed Donald Trump at an international gathering and offered a blunt assessment of the political moment. He told foreign policy figures that the president has limited time on the stage and set a horizon for change.
Gavin Newsom makes remarks about Donald Trump
At the Munich Security Conference, California Governor Gavin Newsom sought to steady transatlantic nerves, telling participants, “If there’s nothing else I can communicate today, Donald Trump is temporary. He’ll be gone in three years.” His comment came as European officials weighed how American politics could shape future cooperation (via BBC).
Newsom appeared alongside other US figures. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered remarks that many attendees interpreted as an attempt to prevent deeper rifts with allies. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen said, “The reason we’re here is to provide reassurance that we understand how important our European allies are.”
Republican Senator Thom Tillis offered a similar message, saying the US and Europe were not in a “civil war.” He told partners to avoid being swept up in the “rhetoric of American politics.” Debate over tariffs and security commitments continued.
Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego said the gathering helped calm fears. “Right now, Europe just wants us to be better, right? And I think this has been a very good conference to reassure nerves,” he said, adding, “Sometimes you have to remind them that this is not all Trump… We’re still here.”
Virginia Senator Mark Warner turned to domestic issues, warning that proposals on elections could threaten confidence in upcoming votes. “I never thought I would say that in 2026 America,” he said.
New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez argued that democracies must show economic progress. “It is of the utmost urgency that we get our economic houses in order and deliver material gains for the working class,” she said.
Donald Trump says the SAVE Act and related steps enjoy broad support and will prevent voter impersonation at the ballot box. Senator Elissa Slotkin described the US as “going through something profound,” adding, “We’ll get through it.”
