Trump calls California governor “a loser” over UK energy deal

On February 16, President Donald Trump sharply criticised California Governor Gavin Newsom and a new clean energy agreement between California and the United Kingdom, warning British leaders against partnering with the Democratic governor.

In an interview with POLITICO, Trump derided Newsom with his trademark nickname, calling him a “loser” whose state is “going to hell” and whose environmental efforts are a “disaster.” He added that it was “inappropriate” for both Newsom to sign the deal and for the U.K. to engage with him.

The remarks came shortly after Newsom signed a memorandum of understanding in London with U.K. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. The agreement promotes cooperation on clean energy technologies, including offshore wind, expands access for British companies like Octopus Energy to California’s market, and enhances collaboration between research institutions across the Atlantic.

Newsom, seen as a likely 2028 Democratic presidential contender, has been touring Europe to reassure allies that Trump’s disruptions to transatlantic relations and U.S. climate policy are “temporary.” Earlier this year, the Trump administration withdrew the United States from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, while California and the U.K. remain committed to net-zero emissions targets.

Trump also criticised Newsom for failed infrastructure projects, including California’s delayed high-speed rail, and warned that replicating his state’s issues in the U.K. would be a “very unsuccessful venture.”

A British Embassy spokesperson emphasised that U.S.-U.K. relations “remain a cornerstone of our security and prosperity” and noted that the clean energy memorandum is part of a broader series of state-level agreements aimed at creating jobs and fostering growth in the U.K.

By Vugar Khalilov