Gavin Newsom, Governor of California, during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Bloomberg | Getty Images
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday showed off the knee pads for leaders who are “selling out” to the Trump administration.
In his speech at the World Economic Forum DavosSwitzerland, Newsom said the red knee pads can be purchased through a website he created.
“Just as our law firms are being sold, the latest round of knee pads are being sold. Many American universities are being sold, yes, many corporate leaders are selling out to this administration,” Newsom said.
“These are also sold in bulk,” he said, holding up one of the knee pads bearing US President Donald Trump’s signature.
On Tuesday, Newsom accused world leaders of “turning” on Trump. Newsom said in Davos, “I can’t stand the fact that people are flipping over.” “I should have brought a group knee pads for all world leaders“, he said.
Newsom had a scheduled meeting at the US House in Davos, described as an “official US seat”. said was soon removed on Wednesday Trump spoke at the forum.
“I was going to speak last night. It was a well-organized event in the US House, a simple conversation, a debate after Trump’s speech. They made sure I didn’t say it. They made sure it was deleted,” Newsom said Thursday.
USA House is privately held and does not represent the US government. It is sponsored by major companies including Microsoft, Pfizer and the Ripple blockchain company.
Newsom is and is a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate fought with Trump in the past.