Donald Trump has launched a furious attack on a green energy agreement between the British government and California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, whom he labelled a “loser”. In an interview with Politico, the US president said it was “inappropriate” for the UK to be dealing with Newsom, a likely future Democratic presidential candidate.
Trump used his derogatory nickname for Newsom, calling him “Gavin Newscum”, and claimed the governor’s environmental work was “a disaster”. The intervention is likely to worry British officials keen to avoid further tensions with the White House.
The agreement was signed in London by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Newsom. It aims to deepen cooperation on clean energy technologies and boost ties between businesses and researchers in the UK and California, the world’s fourth-largest economy. The deal also includes sharing expertise on protecting biodiversity and building resilience during extreme weather.
Miliband said: “Strong international partnerships like today’s announcement with the state of California strengthen opportunities for UK businesses and secure investment for our country.” A source close to the minister described the meeting as “productive”.
Newsom’s visit to Europe also included meetings with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, both of whom have criticised Trump’s policies. The governor previously stated: “Donald Trump’s administration is temporary. California’s commitment is not.”
