California Gov. Gavin Newsom is using the Davos forum as somewhat of a global showcase, inserting himself into international economic and political conversations in a way that increasingly resembles a shadow presidency — and a direct counterweight to President Donald Trump. 

From meeting with Democratic mega-donor Alex Soros to fireside chats and high-profile media appearances, Newsom is trying to position California as a global power center and using the World Economic Forum to contrast his vision with Trump’s nationalism on trade, climate, and democracy.