Washington Examiner columnist Joe Concha criticized Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D-CA) appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, saying Newsom’s international profile-building comes at the expense of governing a struggling state.
“He just seems to have no interest in presenting any sort of plan or worldview when he becomes president, he’s just a professional troll,” Concha said on Fox News’s Hannity Thursday.
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Newsom attended the annual gathering of political and business leaders as California continues to grapple with a housing shortage, wildfire recovery challenges, and a projected multibillion-dollar budget deficit. State officials have also faced criticism over delays in rebuilding efforts after the January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles County.
“Oh yes, if it’s JD Vance and Marco Rubio, as a [presidential] ticket that many people believe could be that ticket,” Concha said. “I know it’s early. They’re chomping at the bit to go against this guy who, if they gave out an award at Davos for who made the biggest jackass of themself during their time there, Newsom would win by unanimous decision.”
Concha heavily criticized California’s rebuilding pace after the destructive fires in Pacific Palisades, saying, “Can someone like Ben Smith, who was up on stage with, ask Gavin Newsom the following questions: How many homes have been built in the Palisades since those devastating fires one year ago? Because you can count them on one hand. Does he ever actually work?
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“And as far as his economic record as California governor, Sean, you’re exactly right,” Concha said. “Not just highest income taxes in the country, but he took office with a multibillion-dollar surplus to work with. He’s going to leave California with a multi-billion dollar deficit, highest unemployment rate in the country, highest poverty rate in the country, $15 billion for a high-speed rail that was never built.
“If he is the odds-on favorite to win the Democratic nomination, to your point, whoever the GOP nominee is, boy, you want that matchup and you want it now.”