Scott Bessent, described in the POLITICO interview as a top economic adviser to President Trump, sharply criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom at the World Economic Forum in Davos, calling him a "brain the size of a walnut." Bessent dismissed Newsom’s public stunts — including a kneepad gag and a dinosaur analogy — and defended the administration’s approach to protecting ordinary investors. The exchange reflects escalating tensions between Trump allies and Newsom. The full interview will air on POLITICO’s "The Conversation."
Bessent Slams Newsom at Davos, Calls Him a 'Brain the Size of a Walnut'
Scott Bessent, described in the interview as a senior economic adviser to President Donald Trump, launched a sharp public attack on California Governor Gavin Newsom during an interview with POLITICO’s Dasha Burns ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Heated Exchange in Davos Context
The comments come amid a simmering feud between Trump allies and Gov. Newsom that intensified at Davos, where political and business leaders met to discuss global economic and foreign-policy challenges. Newsom had been scheduled to speak at USA House during the forum, but his appearance was canceled; Newsom blamed the Trump administration, while an organizer said programming focused instead on business sessions.
Sharp Rhetoric and Stunts
In the interview, Bessent criticized Newsom’s public attacks on former President Trump and mocked several of the governor’s recent gestures. Bessent said:
“I think Gavin Newsom may be cracking up, some of these things he’s saying. I think he may be in over his hairdo.”
He added that Newsom had a “brain the size of a walnut” and claimed Newsom “knows less about economics than” former Vice President Kamala Harris, calling that comparison “a terrible place to be in.” Bessent also dismissed Newsom’s publicity stunts at Davos, including waving a pair of kneepads bearing Mr. Trump’s signature and likening Trump to a dinosaur.
Defense Of Administration Policy
Bessent used the exchange to defend the administration’s economic priorities, saying officials aim to protect the investments of retirees and other ordinary investors. On a Davos panel he emphasized that policies should consider the stakes of so-called “mom and pop” investors, referencing homeowners and small-scale property owners.
Personal Jabs And Broader Tensions
Alongside policy defense, Bessent leveled personal criticisms of Newsom’s background and public image, repeating earlier quips and dismissing the governor’s critiques as out of touch. The interview concludes with Bessent reaffirming his view that Newsom lacks economic expertise relative to other national figures.
Note: This account follows the remarks made during the POLITICO interview and the events reported at the World Economic Forum. The interview excerpt will air on POLITICO’s program "The Conversation." Readers should consider independent verification of official titles and roles mentioned in the interview.
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