Trump went on a Truth Social tirade attacking Gavin Newsom after what happened at Davos, but the governor’s response was perfect

President Trump turned his sights on California Governor Gavin Newsom, unleashing a lengthy social media post that was equal parts critique and indignation. The former president’s message stretched to 158 words, each one dripping with frustration and aimed squarely at the governor.

But Newsom didn’t waste time engaging in a drawn-out back-and-forth. Instead, he let his response do all the talking, with just two words. According to HuffPost, Newsom quickly captured a screenshot of Trump’s tirade and shared it on his X account, adding a short, razor-sharp caption: “Rent free.” 

In that single phrase, Newsom conveyed more than any detailed rebuttal could, signalling that Trump’s efforts to dominate the narrative were falling flat. The exchange highlighted who truly had the upper hand in this digital showdown.

Newsom’s Davos visit sparked a public clash with the White House

Things got worse when Newsom was denied entry to the US pavilion, where he was supposed to give a talk. He blamed the White House directly. Newsom called the president “historically unpopular” and asked, “How the h— are we putting up with this?”

Newsom said the denial didn’t surprise him. “Is it surprising the Trump administration didn’t like my commentary and wanted to make sure that I was not allowed to speak? No, it’s consistent with this administration and their authoritarian tendencies,” Newsom explained. The administration has been making bold moves internationally, including new sanctions affecting the UK.

Trump responded that evening on Truth Social. He said Newsom was “running around screaming for the attention of Foreign Leaders, and embarrassing our Country.” Trump also reminded Newsom that California’s term limits prevent him from running for governor again, telling him to finish his term “and GO HOME!”

This wasn’t Trump’s only post that night. He went on a posting spree, attacking Democrats, some Republicans, questioning NATO, and praising his own leadership. Trump has been especially active in his dealings with European leaders, recently sharing what France’s president told him before trade tensions escalated.

Trump also disinvited Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney from his “Board of Peace” for Gaza after Carney criticized him at Davos. Since Newsom is expected to run for president in 2028, this public fight shows the political battle is already heating up. Newsom’s Davos appearance clearly got under Trump’s skin.