California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized US foreign policy at the Munich Security Conference, crediting Trump for unexpectedly uniting European nations.
Unexpected Effect of Trump’s Policy
California Governor assessed in Munich that Donald Trump’s policy toward Europe has had an unintended effect – greater unity of EU countries. – Perhaps this is one of Donald Trump’s merits – he said, which drew applause from conference participants.
Newsom spoke during a panel at the Munich Security Conference. Addressing transatlantic tensions, he stated that the actions of the US President – starting with threats to take Greenland, through undermining the importance of NATO, to imposing tariffs – have prompted Europe to closer cooperation.
– I believe that Europe feels more united today than in a long time. And perhaps this is Donald Trump’s only contribution – he said.
Criticism of Trump’s Administration
The Democrat assessed that the United States is currently “a greater source of instability than any other country in the world.” He emphasized, however, that the situation is temporary. – This is not permanent. He is temporary – he said about Trump.
He predicts a Democratic victory in the midterm elections. Newsom called the MAGA movement “a cult of personality” and described the president as “an invasive species” that “exploits weakness” but reacts differently to “confidence, character and purpose.”
Marco Rubio’s Speech
In Munich, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also spoke. His speech had a more balanced tone than last year’s Vice President JD Vance speech, who sharply criticized Europe.
Newsom assessed that Rubio’s words that the US and Europe “belong to each other” show that the administration is responding to European “unity and conviction.” In a conversation with DW, the governor emphasized interdependence on both sides of the Atlantic.
– Europe’s success is the success of the United States. There is interdependence here – he said.
Newsom’s Presidential Ambitions
Newsom’s speech in Munich is interpreted by media across the ocean as an element of building an international image before a possible run in the 2028 presidential elections.
In recent months, the politician has participated, among others, in the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he also criticized the current US administration’s policy toward allies. At the same time, he assured that the transatlantic partnership “is not dead, but dormant.”
– This is not the end. It’s a transitional state – he assessed. – Maybe you have to sleep with one eye open. It will take some time, but it is definitely not dead – he said about the transatlantic partnership.
