Former President Donald Trump has publicly criticized a latest clean energy agreement between California and the United Kingdom, characterizing the deal as “inappropriate.” The rebuke comes after California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a memorandum of understanding with UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband in London on Monday.
A Diplomatic Clash
Trump, speaking to Politico, used a derogatory nickname for Newsom and asserted that the governor is “a loser” whose state is in “hell.” He stated, “The UK’s got enough trouble without getting involved with Gavin Newscum,” and further claimed it was “inappropriate for them [the UK] to be dealing with him.”
The agreement between California and the UK aims to deepen cooperation on clean energy technologies and foster ties between businesses and researchers. The two parties will also share expertise on biodiversity protection and resilience to extreme weather events, according to Miliband’s department.
Political Implications
Newsom, a frequent critic of Trump’s policies, used the Munich Security Conference shortly before the London agreement to emphasize California’s commitment to international cooperation, stating, “Donald Trump’s administration is temporary. California’s commitment is not.” He also met with leaders in Spain and Germany, where he found support for positions opposing Trump’s administration.
The intervention from Trump is likely to be noted by British officials, who may be wary of potential complications in the UK-US relationship. Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, suggested Ed Miliband could be a future leader of the Labour party.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the agreement between California and the UK?
The agreement aims to deepen existing cooperation and create a new framework to scale up clean energy technologies and enhance ties between businesses and researchers in Britain and California.
What was Trump’s specific criticism of Newsom?
Trump called Newsom a “loser” and said his state was in “hell,” claiming it was “inappropriate” for the UK to be dealing with him.
What other diplomatic efforts did Newsom undertake during his European trip?
Newsom met with the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez and the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, discussing issues ranging from Venezuela to US foreign policy.
As international collaborations on climate and energy continue to evolve, how might the relationship between national governments and subnational actors – like states and regions – reshape global policy efforts?
