During a conversation with journalists, Newsom expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that world leaders are not responding decisively enough to Trump's actions. "I can no longer tolerate the complicity of people who bow down. I should hand out knee pads to all world leaders. It's just pathetic. I hope they realize how they look on the international stage," the governor noted. He also described Trump as a "Tyrannosaurus Rex" who can "devour" those who try to "spar" with him, urging his European colleagues to "stay strong and united." Newsom emphasized that he represents one of the most anti-ideological states in the U.S. that opposes Trump. "He responds to strength, not weakness. I stand by my principles as an American, and in my opinion, that position is more effective than appeasement, which yields nothing," he added. These comments were made against the backdrop of Trump's increasing aggression, who threatened to seize Greenland and imposed a 10% tariff on goods from eight countries that opposed this idea. European heads of government are trying to find ways to ease tensions in the situation, while Trump continues to escalate his threats. The day before, Trump reported on his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and plans to discuss the Greenland issue with key figures in Davos. Additionally, he published a text message from French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as a map of the Western Hemisphere, where Canada and Venezuela are marked as part of the U.S., which drew criticism towards the UK for abandoning a military base in the Indian Ocean. Trump also stated that he is no longer interested in a "clean" peace, as he did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. She, in turn, handed her medal to Trump, although the Nobel Committee clarified that the award is not transferable. Governor Newsom is already known for his actions against politicians who, in his opinion, have bowed to Trump, handing out knee pads to them and selling them through his website.
