Belém, Brazil, — At the COP30 climate summit, California Governor Gavin Newsom unleashed a scathing critique of former President Donald Trump. Labeling Trump’s climate inaction as “an abomination and a disgrace,” Newsom blasted the former president’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and his absence from the Belem, Brazil discussions. Newsom argued Trump’s stance leaves America lagging in the global clean energy race and deteriorates the world’s environmental health.
Newsom drew stark comparisons, underscoring California’s clean energy achievements. Boasting as the world’s fourth largest economy, California generates over two-thirds of its energy from renewable sources, having reached 100% clean energy on numerous days.
Newsom’s presence highlighted a sharp contrast with Trump’s climate denialism, as the COP30 summit saw partaking from 195 nations yet missed U.S. federal representation. Newsom warned, “We’re ceding economic power to nations like China,” critiquing moves like blocking California’s new gas-car bans.
Allies at home are wary about California’s high energy costs, but Newsom pushes forward, adamant about the climate crisis’ urgency. “Anyone paying attention here?” he asked, pointing to California’s woes with wildfire, drought, and flood complexities.
Newsom’s condemnation is echoed by global leaders at the summit, seeing U.S. absence as an economic self-inflicted wound. As the climate debate intensifies, Newsom’s leadership is emblematic of contrasts within American politics.