Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) said the United States is “as dumb” as it wants to be when it comes to climate policy during his Tuesday appearance at the United Nations’ COP30 climate summit in Brazil.
Newsom’s remarks come after he criticized President Donald Trump over his absence at the summit.
“The United States of America is as dumb as we want to be on this topic, but the state of California is not,” Newsom said. “So we are going to assert ourselves, we’re going to lean in, and we are going to compete in this space.”
Newsom also called Trump’s decision to reverse course on climate action “dumb,” adding that the president’s policies are a threat to the rule of law and democracy.
Trump shifted America’s strategy toward green energy after withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement in both of his terms, revitalizing offshore oil drilling in the U.S. and deregulating the fossil fuel industry.
During his appearance alongside Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, who won a third term after being imprisoned for corruption, Newsom accused Trump’s overturning of green energy policy as advantageous for China.
“[China] will dominate in the next great global industry,” Newsom said at the summit.
Newsom promised the audience at the conference that California would continue to prioritize green technology.
“Climate change seems abstract. We need to talk in terms that people understand,” Newsom said. “But we can’t do that without all of you. … So we’re here with an open hand, not a closed fist.”
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At the conference, which was held days after Newsom approved a congressional map that would help Democrats take over five House seats held by Republicans in California, the governor used the global stage to challenge Trump’s credibility, accusing him of wanting to cheat elections.
“He’s the most unpopular president in U.S. history. That’s why he’s trying to rig the election,” Newsom told reporters. “Trump is temporary. He’s reckless. He’s chaotic,” Newsom added. “People need to stand up. You need to stand up to a bully.”
