In Munich, the likely presidential contender continued to position California — and himself — as an alternative to Trumpism
Gavin Newsom on Friday urged world leaders to look beyond the current US administration, arguing that political change in Washington is inevitable.
“Donald Trump is temporary,” Politico quoted the California governor and likely presidential candidate as saying during a climate change panel at the Munich Security Conference.
“He’ll be gone in three years,” he added.
Newsom has long cast California as a durable counterweight to Trumpism, particularly on climate policy, where the state has advanced ambitious measures even as the White House has pulled back.
He struck a similar tone at an international climate conference in Brazil last year, portraying California as America’s leading climate actor in Trump’s absence.
While California governors have historically leveraged the state’s economic influence to shape global climate discussions, Newsom’s high-profile advocacy also highlights his own national ambitions, reported Politico.
The outreach offers him an opportunity to demonstrate diplomatic credentials, strengthen ties with foreign leaders and refine his vision for a post-Trump foreign policy.
He is among several potential Democratic presidential contenders drawing contrasts with JD Vance, who sharply criticised Europe at the same forum last year.
On Friday, some global leaders signaled they are already bracing for another shift in US leadership, though it remains uncertain whether a future administration would adopt a more climate-friendly stance.
Asked how nations should navigate the Trump administration’s rollback of climate measures, Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s minister of climate adaptation, noted that countries are accustomed to US elections reshaping bilateral ties.
“We are waiting for the US to come back on board,” Regenvanu was quoted as saying. “It happened once. I think it will happen again.”
With inputs from agencies
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