California Governor Gavin Newsom has sharply criticised European leaders over their reactions to US President Donald Trump’s newest tariff threats linked to Greenland, telling them to ‘have a spine.’
Talking on the sidelines of the World Financial Discussion board in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday, Newsom mentioned European nations should firmly oppose Trump’s try to make use of commerce penalties to pressure negotiations over the sale of Greenland. “It’s time to get critical and cease being complicit. It’s time to face tall and agency—have a spine,” he defined.
Trump threatens new tariffs over Greenland deal
Newsom’s feedback got here after Trump introduced sweeping new tariffs on a number of NATO allies, together with Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland. The extra 10% tariffs will come into impact on 1 February 2026, Trump mentioned.
In a put up on his social media platform TruthSocial, Trump warned that these duties might rise to 25% from June 1 if the nations refuse to barter what he known as a “Greenland deal.” Greenland is an autonomous territory below the Kingdom of Denmark.
The tariff announcement led to sturdy political backlash throughout Europe. 1000’s of Greenlanders reportedly took to the streets to protest towards the proposal and in addition a number of European leaders issued statements rejecting Trump’s calls for. European governments have argued that Greenland shouldn’t be on the market and that Arctic safety needs to be dealt with collectively by way of NATO, not by way of financial strain.
Tariffs add to world commerce uncertainty
The Greenland dispute is considered one of Trump’s most aggressive tariff strikes but. Trump has more and more used tariffs to push different nations into negotiations with the US on a spread of points. The newly proposed duties could be imposed on high of current tariffs, presently 10% on British imports and 15% on imports from the European Union, elevating considerations about retaliation.
Trump vs Gavin Newsom
The feud between California Governor Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump shouldn’t be new. California–federal relations has strained since Trump’s inauguration in 2025. What started as coverage disagreements has now grown into lawsuits, massive public statements, and even a viral “meme struggle,” turning Newsom into one of many Democratic Social gathering’s most vocal critics of Trump.
The primary main clashes came visiting immigration and environmental coverage. Newsom known as Trump’s border wall a “nationwide shame” and overtly opposed the administration’s efforts to roll again auto emissions requirements. Tensions rose additional throughout California’s wildfire crises. Trump blamed the fires on the state’s water insurance policies and delayed federal support, drawing sturdy pushback from Sacramento.
Nationwide guard and marines deployment sparks lawsuit
The battle escalated in June 2025, when Trump federalised California’s Nationwide Guard and deployed US Marines to answer anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, overriding Newsom’s authority. Newsom sued the administration, accusing it of a “brazen abuse of energy” and “dictatorial” overreach, additionally known as the transfer an assault on states’ rights. Federal courts finally sided with California. By December 31, 2025, the US Courtroom of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit enforced an injunction ordering the troops to return. After that ruling, Trump backed away from related actions in different states.
Meme struggle and on-line sparring go viral
Alongside the authorized and coverage battles, a parallel on-line battle unfolded. The “meme struggle” peaked in September 2025. Trump posted edited pictures on Fact Social exhibiting Newsom punching a Trump punching bag and sporting a “Trump 2028” hat. Newsom responded on X with clips of Trump “falling,” pictures of a diapered mini-Trump behind bars, and jabs at Trump’s fingers and well being. The net sparring spilled into merchandise and messaging, with Newsom mimicking Trump’s ALL-CAPS fashion and mocking the which means of “MAGA.”
Local weather disputes proceed on world stage
Local weather coverage remained one other main fault line. At COP30 in November 2025, Newsom accused Trump of “doubling down on silly” for refusing to decide to inexperienced vitality objectives. The rivalry continued into 2026. In his January 8 State of the State handle, Newsom accused Trump of making a “carnage of chaos,” criticising federal funds cuts and what he described as repeated federal overreach.
