Treasury Secretary Attacks Gov. Gavin Newsom Over Davos Stunt

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Politico's "The Conversation" podcast that Gov. Gavin Newsom "is a brontosaurus with the brain the size of a walnut" and is "in over his hairdo," according to the interview.

The comments followed Gov. Gavin Newsom's onstage remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where Newsom told reporters he viewed President Donald Trump as "a T. rex" and displayed "Trump signature series kneepads," according to news reports.

Gov. Gavin Newsom responded by posting "I'm in his head" on X and by telling reporters in Davos that the administration "appears to be living rent-free in the Trump administration's head," according to his remarks reported by multiple outlets.

Alex Soros posted a photo with Gov. Gavin Newsom on X, and CNBC reported that Newsom said "the last round of knee pads sold out," details cited in coverage of the Davos appearances.

Campaign analysts and political strategists said the public spat at a high-profile international forum could reverberate into 2028 presidential politics as advisers on both sides weigh messaging, according to strategic advisers.