DAVOS, SWITZERLAND January 22, 2026 – California Governor Gavin Newsom sparked widespread debate on Thursday with a pointed X post criticizing the Trump administration’s policies as emblematic of authoritarianism. The post, which included a clip from his appearance at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, highlighted issues such as book censorship, historical revisionism, attacks on independent institutions, and the deployment of military forces against U.S. citizens.
In the accompanying video, Newsom elaborated on these claims during a WEF panel discussion, describing America as operating “in reverse” with freedoms of expression, assembly, and speech under threat. He cited the banning of over 4,340 books in libraries and schools across the U.S., and accused the administration of assaulting institutions of independent thinking. Newsom also referenced specific incidents in California, including the federalization of 4,000 National Guard troops and the deployment of 700 active-duty Marines to Los Angeles—the state’s largest city—not for overseas missions but for domestic operations. He described “masked men” in unmarked vehicles engaging in what he called “Gestapo-like” tactics, including abductions without due process, racial profiling, and family separations.
The governor tied these actions to broader authoritarian tendencies, noting that his own commentary had led to interference from the Trump administration. Newsom claimed he was denied entry to a scheduled event at USA House in Davos, a U.S.-affiliated venue, forcing its cancellation. “They made sure it was canceled,” he said, adding that it was unsurprising given the administration’s efforts to suppress dissent. This incident occurred shortly after President Trump’s speech at the forum, where he reportedly targeted Newsom in his remarks, escalating their ongoing public feud.
Newsom’s statements at Davos extended beyond domestic critiques, warning of a “permanent rupture” in the global order and urging recognition of threats to democratic norms worldwide. He praised figures like Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney while contrasting Trump’s approach as “weakness masquerading as strength.” Progressive outlets hailed the speech as a “blistering truth bomb,” emphasizing Newsom’s exposure of alleged corporate complicity and democratic backsliding.
However, the post and speech drew sharp criticism from conservative voices. On X, replies accused Newsom of hypocrisy, pointing to his own policies during the COVID-19 era, such as church closures while allowing strip clubs to operate. One user called him “HairGel Hitler,” while others dismissed his claims as exaggerated or politically motivated. Fox News coverage highlighted Newsom’s “kneepads” joke about corporate leaders appeasing Trump, conceding the feud’s “deeply unbecoming” nature but framing it as a strategic provocation.
Similar themes have appeared in Newsom’s past criticisms, including accusations against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations as authoritarian. As a potential 2028 presidential contender, Newsom’s international platform at Davos underscores his role as a vocal opponent to the current administration, amid ongoing tensions over state-federal relations.
The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment on Newsom’s allegations. The post has garnered over 65,000 views, 3,000 likes, and hundreds of replies, reflecting the polarized reactions to his message.
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