By Trendsetter Tribune 
California Governor Gavin Newsom delivered a blunt message to world leaders and billionaires gathered at the World Economic Forum in Davos, urging them to stop accommodating Donald Trump and show greater political courage. Newsom said global elites must “buck up,” reject complicity, and develop a backbone when dealing with the former president’s pressure tactics.
Without naming specific individuals, Newsom argued that Trump thrives on intimidation and transactional politics, warning that leaders who seek favor or neutrality often end up weakened. He framed the moment as a test of leadership, saying silence and appeasement only embolden behavior that undermines democratic norms and international stability.
America’s allies and business leaders need to understand this:
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 20, 2026
There’s no diplomacy with Donald Trump.
Get off your knees and grow a spine. pic.twitter.com/epAphL4CYn
The comments position Newsom as one of Trump’s most vocal Democratic critics on the global stage, reinforcing his argument that economic and political power centers share responsibility for resisting authoritarian-style politics rather than quietly adapting to them.