Gavin Newsom calls Trump ‘weak, weak president’ and attacks tariffs for harming Americans

Newsom accused Trump of self-dealing and cronyism, saying his tariff push reflects desperation and weak leadership
UPDATED FEB 21, 2026
Newsom described Trump’s 10% global tariff as a regressive move hitting small businesses (Getty Images)
Newsom described Trump’s 10% global tariff as a regressive move hitting small businesses (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: California Governor Gavin Newsom delivered sharp criticism of President Donald Trump, calling him a “weak, weak president” and warning that his economic policies, particularly on tariffs, are harming Americans and eroding global confidence.

Speaking in response to Trump’s latest proposal for a 10% global tariff, Newsom framed the move as a last-ditch effort in what he described as a “desperate and regressive economic agenda.” He argued that such policies disproportionately hurt working Americans and small businesses.

Newsom labels Trump ‘weak,’ warns global confidence is falling

“These, you know, he’s a weak, weak president,” Newsom said, adding that this weakness “is now on display globally.” He suggested the president’s aggressive tariff push reflects mounting political and legal pressures, claiming, “The only card he had left was these tariffs, and that’s exactly why he was so aggressive today—because he knows it. He’s got nothing else going on.”



According to Newsom, international relationships are strained under Trump’s approach. “The rest of the world is starting to turn against Trump and Trumpism,” he said, signaling growing global skepticism about US leadership under the president.

Criticism of economic policies and immigration link

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 20: U.S. President Donald Trump answers questions during a press briefing held at the White House February 20, 2026 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Supreme Court today ruled against Trump’s use of emergency powers to implement international trade tariffs, a central portion of the administration’s core economic policy. Also pictured (L-R) are U.S. Solicitor General John Sauer and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Trump answered questions during a press briefing at the White House on February 20, 2026 (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Newsom also linked Trump’s trade strategy to his broader economic agenda, which he described as centered on “mass deportations.” “His entire economic policy has been mass deportations. That’s beginning to unravel,” he said, pointing to cities like Minneapolis where enforcement policies are facing pushback. He framed both trade and immigration policies as disruptive and economically damaging.

California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference at Raleigh Studios unveiling a vast expansion of California’s Film and Television Credit Program on October 27, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced a proposal which would expand the program to $750 million annually, a major increase from the $330 million currently allocated, amid sluggish film and TV productions in Hollywood and across California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Newsom spoke during a press conference at Raleigh Studios in Los Angeles on February 21, 2026 (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Accusations of ‘self-dealing’ tied to trade moves

Beyond policy disputes, Newsom accused Trump of “self-dealing” and “crony capitalism” in the administration’s trade negotiations. “This great self-dealing, this crony capitalism, we’re seeing around the globe,” Newsom said, linking it to ongoing legal scrutiny and Supreme Court developments.

ROME, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 19: U.S. President Donald Trump (R) looks on Republican congressional candidate, Clay Fuller speaks at the Coosa Steel Corporation on February 19, 2026 in Rome, Georgia. Trump delivered remarks on the economy and affordability as the state has started voting to replace the seat vacated by former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Trump watched Republican candidate Clay Fuller speak at Coosa Steel Corporation in Rome, Georgia, on February 19, 2026 (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

He added that courts and public opinion could pressure Congress to check executive power. “The courts and I hope the court of public opinion is finally catching up… to put pressure on the other branch of government to step up and do their job,” Newsom said, forecasting political consequences if lawmakers fail to act.



Predicting change in the coming months, Newsom warned that elected officials risk losing their positions if they don’t assert oversight. “They’re all gonna be out of work, in nine months. This is a wrecking-ball president, and his imperial presidency is about to come to an end,” he said.

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