Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Critiques Governor Gavin Newsom at Davos

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Critiques Governor Gavin Newsom at Davos

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent publicly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom during remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He labeled the governor as economically illiterate and accused him of focusing on elite gatherings instead of addressing critical issues like California’s fiscal challenges, housing shortages, and homelessness crisis.

In a forceful speech, Bessent delivered a scathing assessment of Newsom’s economic leadership. He remarked, “I was informed that he was invited to speak on his signature policies. However, he is not speaking because what have his economic policies actually achieved? There has been outward migration from California, a significant budget deficit, and we continue to have the largest homeless population in America. Plus, let’s not forget about the residents in the Palisades who lost their homes to wildfires.”

With strong words, Bessent added, “He is here mingling with the global elite while citizens in California remain homeless. Shame on him. He comes across as too smug, excessively self-absorbed, and utterly clueless about the economy.”

Bessent’s Personal Characterization of Newsom

Bessent did not shy away from personal critiques. He responded to Newsom’s earlier characterization of him as a smug individual by saying, “The governor strikes me as Patrick Bateman meets Sparkle Beach Ken,” referencing the notorious fictional character from