California Governor Gavin Newsom has sharply criticised European leaders over their reactions to US President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats linked to Greenland, telling them to ‘have a backbone.’
Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday, Newsom said European nations must firmly oppose Trump’s attempt to use trade penalties to force negotiations over the sale of Greenland. “It’s time to get serious and stop being complicit. It’s time to stand tall and firm—have a backbone,” he explained.
Trump threatens new tariffs over Greenland deal
Newsom’s comments came after Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on several NATO allies, including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland. The additional 10% tariffs will come into effect on 1 February 2026, Trump said.
In a post on his social media platform TruthSocial, Trump warned that these duties could rise to 25% from June 1 if the countries refuse to negotiate what he called a “Greenland deal.” Greenland is an autonomous territory under the Kingdom of Denmark.
The tariff announcement led to strong political backlash across Europe. Thousands of Greenlanders reportedly took to the streets to protest against the proposal and also several European leaders issued statements rejecting Trump’s demands. European governments have argued that Greenland is not for sale and that Arctic security should be handled collectively through NATO, not through economic pressure.
Tariffs add to global trade uncertainty
The Greenland dispute is one of Trump’s most aggressive tariff moves yet. Trump has increasingly used tariffs to push other countries into negotiations with the US on a range of issues. The newly proposed duties would be imposed on top of existing tariffs, currently 10% on British imports and 15% on imports from the European Union, raising concerns about retaliation.
Trump vs Gavin Newsom
The feud between California Governor Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump is not new. California–federal relations has strained since Trump’s inauguration in 2025. What began as policy disagreements has now grown into lawsuits, big public statements, and even a viral “meme war,” turning Newsom into one of the Democratic Party’s most vocal critics of Trump.
The first major clashes came over immigration and environmental policy. Newsom called Trump’s border wall a “national disgrace” and openly opposed the administration’s efforts to roll back auto emissions standards. Tensions rose further during California’s wildfire crises. Trump blamed the fires on the state’s water policies and delayed federal aid, drawing strong pushback from Sacramento.
National guard and marines deployment sparks lawsuit
The conflict escalated in June 2025, when Trump federalised California’s National Guard and deployed US Marines to respond to anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, overriding Newsom’s authority. Newsom sued the administration, accusing it of a “brazen abuse of power” and “dictatorial” overreach, also called the move an attack on states’ rights. Federal courts ultimately sided with California. By December 31, 2025, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit enforced an injunction ordering the troops to return. After that ruling, Trump backed away from similar actions in other states.
Meme war and online sparring go viral
Alongside the legal and policy battles, a parallel online fight unfolded. The “meme war” peaked in September 2025. Trump posted edited images on Truth Social showing Newsom punching a Trump punching bag and wearing a “Trump 2028” hat. Newsom responded on X with clips of Trump “falling,” images of a diapered mini-Trump behind bars, and jabs at Trump’s hands and health. The online sparring spilled into merchandise and messaging, with Newsom mimicking Trump’s ALL-CAPS style and mocking the meaning of “MAGA.”
Climate disputes continue on global stage
Climate policy remained another major fault line. At COP30 in November 2025, Newsom accused Trump of “doubling down on stupid” for refusing to commit to green energy goals. The rivalry continued into 2026. In his January 8 State of the State address, Newsom accused Trump of creating a “carnage of chaos,” criticising federal budget cuts and what he described as repeated federal overreach.