Gavin Newsom, governor of California, holding a knee pad during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026.
Bloomberg | Getty Images
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday showed off knee pads that he suggested were for leaders “selling out” to the Trump administration.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Newsom said the red knee pads were available to buy via a website he had created.
“The last round of knee pads sold out, just as our law firms are selling out. Many American universities are selling out, and yes, many corporate leaders are selling out to this administration,” Newsom said.
“These are available in bulk, too,” he said, holding up one of the knee pads, which showed U.S. President Donald Trump’s signature.
On Tuesday, Newsom accused world leaders of “rolling over” for Trump. “I can’t take this complicity of people rolling over,” Newsom said in Davos. “I should have brought a bunch of knee pads for all the world leaders,” he said.
A scheduled appearance by Newsom at USA House, described on its website as an “official U.S. venue” at Davos, was said to have been canceled on Wednesday soon after Trump addressed the forum.
“I was going to speak last night. It was a well established event at the USA house, a simple conversation, discussion after Trump’s speech. They made sure that I didn’t. They made sure it was canceled,” Newsom said on Thursday.
USA House is privately organized and does not represent the U.S. government. It is sponsored by large companies including Microsoft, Pfizer and blockchain company Ripple.
Newsom is a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate and has previously sparred with Trump.