California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken direct aim at President Donald Trump’s perception of his international reputation, insisting that global leaders do not hold him in the high regard he frequently claims. Speaking during Politico’s “The California Agenda: Sacramento Summit,” Newsom said that, contrary to Trump’s assertions, many leaders and ambassadors laugh at the president behind closed doors.
Newsom’s Bold Statement
The governor, who has regularly clashed with Trump on both policy and personal style, suggested that foreign dignitaries see the president as more of a spectacle than a respected statesman. “I’ve had the privilege of meeting a lot of foreign leaders,” Newsom said. “They’re laughing behind his back.”
When pressed further by the moderator, Newsom clarified that his comments were not based on a single recent meeting with a Danish delegation, but on years of private conversations with diplomats and ambassadors. “I’ve heard dozens and dozens,” he stressed. “Ambassadors, they’re laughing behind his back. He’s been played everywhere. It’s an embarrassment.”
This statement underscores the ongoing war of words between Trump and Newsom, with the California governor frequently mocking Trump’s social media habits and public remarks.
Trump’s Self-Proclaimed Popularity Abroad
Newsom’s criticism directly contradicts Trump’s most recent claim of being deeply admired across Europe. On August 28, while speaking from the Oval Office, Trump boasted about the United States’ renewed respect on the global stage. “I think our nation is the most respected nation in the world, by far,” Trump declared. “Where they respect your president to a level that they jokingly call me the ‘President of Europe.’”
Trump described the supposed nickname as an honor. “They call me the President of Europe, which is an honour. I like Europe and I like those people… they’re great leaders.”
The statement drew both bemusement and skepticism, with critics pointing to prior instances when Trump was openly mocked by world leaders during international appearances.
A History of Awkward Moments
This is not the first time Trump’s relationship with foreign dignitaries has been called into question. In 2018, during his first term, Trump’s address to the United Nations General Assembly became memorable for all the wrong reasons. While boasting that his administration had achieved more in less than two years than almost any other U.S. presidency, the audience of world leaders broke into laughter.
A visibly surprised Trump attempted to play off the moment, replying, “I didn’t expect that reaction, but that’s OK.” For critics like Newsom, that incident remains a telling example of how Trump is perceived outside the United States.
A Different Narrative
Supporters of Trump argue that his brash and unconventional style has been misinterpreted, suggesting that laughter does not necessarily equate to disrespect. They point to instances where Trump commanded significant attention on the world stage and note his ability to dominate international headlines. Trump himself frequently cites his relationships with leaders such as Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whom he recently praised in glowing terms.
During a recent exchange, Trump complimented Meloni on her appearance and later joked with her about his tendency to engage with the press. These public displays, however, contrast sharply with Newsom’s portrayal of private ridicule among diplomats.
Public Reaction to Newsom’s Remarks
Following Newsom’s comments, social media platforms lit up with debate. On Reddit, users speculated about how Trump would respond to the remarks. “Oh boy. Can’t wait to see how Trump lashes out over this one,” one user wrote.
Others agreed with Newsom’s assessment, claiming that Trump’s reputation abroad was far less flattering than he portrays. “I’m in Europe and not one person has said a nice thing about him,” one commenter claimed. Another pointed to Australia, noting, “Actually three Australian Prime Ministers, including our current one, have criticized him. The two former PMs were open about it.”
Critics of Newsom, meanwhile, dismissed his comments as deliberate provocation. “Newsom is doing rage bait and it’s all targeted at one person,” one commenter suggested.
Looking Ahead
Whether Newsom’s comments accurately reflect the sentiment of world leaders is ultimately difficult to verify, as diplomatic interactions are often carefully managed and rarely candid. However, his remarks add another layer to the ongoing feud between California’s governor and the president.
For Trump, who has built much of his political brand on projecting strength and international respect, the suggestion that he is mocked behind closed doors strikes directly at the core of his image. For Newsom, the remarks serve as both a political jab and a reinforcement of his broader critique of Trump’s leadership style.
As the verbal sparring continues, one fact remains clear: perceptions of Trump’s international reputation vary dramatically depending on who is asked. To some, he is a leader who commands attention and admiration. To others, including Newsom and his allies, he is a figure of ridicule whose claims of respect fall far short of reality.
