Politics

California Governor Displays Knee Pads at Davos to Criticize Deference to Trump

Illustration for: California Governor Displays Knee Pads at Davos to Criticize Deference to Trump
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Jan 22, 2026

THE BARE STORY

California Governor Gavin Newsom displayed red knee pads featuring President Donald Trump’s signature while attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday. The governor stated the items were intended for corporate and world leaders he accused of "selling out" or "rolling over" to the Trump administration.

The display followed remarks made by Newsom earlier in the week, in which he described the response of foreign leaders to the president as "pathetic." He claimed that various entities, including American universities and law firms, were capitulating to the administration, and announced that the knee pads were being sold on a website he created.

Separately, Newsom alleged that a discussion he was scheduled to host on Wednesday at "USA House" was canceled shortly after President Trump addressed the forum. While USA House is reportedly a privately organized venue with corporate sponsors rather than a government entity, the governor claimed "they" ensured his event did not take place.

The governor’s comments abroad drew criticism from commentator Stephen A. Smith, who argued on Wednesday that U.S. officials should not disparage the president while in a foreign country. Smith suggested the actions were a form of "trolling" related to a potential 2028 presidential run, asserting that criticisms of the president should generally be reserved for U.S. soil.

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• Domestic disputes belong on U.S. soil Commentator Stephen A. Smith argued that U.S. officials should not disparage the president while traveling in a foreign country. He asserted that criticisms of the administration should generally be reserved for domestic settings rather than international forums like Davos.

• Actions viewed as political posturing Critics suggested that the governor's behavior amounted to a form of "trolling" rather than substantive policy critique. Smith specifically connected the display and comments to a potential presidential run in 2028.

• Venue decisions were private matters Regarding the governor's claims of cancellation, reports note that "USA House" is a privately organized venue funded by corporate sponsors rather than a government entity. This distinction suggests the cancellation was a decision made by private organizers, countering the implication of government censorship.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

You may observe a shift in political etiquette regarding whether elected officials should criticize the president while abroad, challenging the tradition of keeping domestic disputes within U.S. borders.

Voters might encounter early maneuvering for the 2028 presidential cycle, as critics suggest such international displays may serve as political posturing intended to elevate future candidacies.

Public perception of American universities and law firms could be influenced by the governor's allegations that these institutions are currently "capitulating" or yielding to federal administrative pressure.

You have the option to purchase the specific protest items mentioned, as the governor announced the knee pads are being sold directly through a newly established website.

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