California Governor Gavin Newsom became the centre of attention at the COP30 climate summit, held in Belem, Brazil. With U.S. President Donald Trump absent, Newsom took the opportunity to fiercely criticise Trump’s fossil fuel policies and repeated withdrawals from the Paris Agreement.
Seen as a potential presidential contender for 2028, Newsom called Trump’s actions “an abomination” and vowed that a future Democratic administration would rejoin the Paris Accord without hesitation. He emphasised that addressing climate change is both a moral obligation and an economic imperative.
Gavin Newsom: “Trump’s presidency ends in 17 months when Speaker Jeffries is back. He’s a failed president. The economy is collapsing all around him. Inflation is going up. Job creation is going down. He’s trying to rewrite history. Wake up, America!” 🤡 pic.twitter.com/iq8F1dr8AX
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) August 14, 2025At the event, Newsom highlighted California’s commitment to clean energy, noting that the state, the world’s fourth-largest economy, now derives two-thirds of its power from renewable sources. Throughout the day, Newsom met with international officials, including Germany’s Baden-Württemberg state leadership, the Brazilian Indigenous Peoples’ minister, and COP30’s Brazilian president—all while attracting media attention usually reserved for national leaders.
Though regional leaders like Newsom do not directly participate in official COP30 negotiations, their influence remains notable. A University of Maryland report indicates that states like California could significantly cut U.S. emissions if climate-friendly policies continue and a supportive president is elected in 2028.
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Despite the challenges posed by federal policies, such as the rollback of clean energy tax credits, Newsom urged nations to resist intimidation and maintain their focus on climate goals. He reminded attendees that “Trump is temporary” and encouraged them to stand firm against any bullying tactics that hinder global climate progress.
