President Donald Trump’s administration calls California Governor Newsom’s COP30 visit “embarrassing,” criticizing energy costs and alleged climate hypocrisy.
The White House on Tuesday November 11, 2025, sharply criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom over his attendance at the United Nations COP30 climate summit in Brazil, calling the trip “embarrassing” and questioning his commitment to domestic energy concerns.
In a statement to the Daily Caller News Foundation, White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers labeled Newsom’s visit as a promotion of the so-called “Green New Scam” while Californians continue to face some of the highest energy prices in the United States. Rogers also highlighted recent deforestation in the Amazon, where developers reportedly cleared thousands of acres for a highway ahead of the summit, suggesting that Newsom’s support for global climate initiatives was insincere.
“Governor Newscum flew all the way to Brazil to tout the Green New Scam, while the people of California are paying some of the highest energy prices in the country. Embarrassing!” Rogers said. She added that President Donald Trump’s energy policies prioritize American interests over what she called “green dreams” that burden other countries.
Newsom’s office confirmed his travel mode as a “commercial airline” when asked about the trip. The California governor has been publicly critical of the Trump administration for its absence at COP30, arguing that the United States showed “disrespect” toward international climate partners. Speaking on Monday, Newsom said: “I literally came out here. I’m just stunned. Not one person from the administration showed any respect to any of you. Forget politics. Disrespect … Instead, [President Donald Trump showed you the] middle finger with 50% tariffs. That’s shameful.”
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Earlier this month, Newsom’s office released a statement noting that “as Trump abandons people and the planet, Governor Newsom heads to COP30 in Brazil.” The governor has framed his participation as a commitment to global climate dialogue and cooperation, despite domestic criticisms of energy costs and policy gaps.
President Trump weighed in on Truth Social over the weekend, alleging that the Brazilian government had cleared parts of the Amazon to facilitate COP30 travel. Brazilian officials have denied that the highway, Avenida Liberdade, was constructed specifically for the summit, stating that project plans predated Brazil’s selection as host.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between state-level environmental advocates and the federal administration’s energy policies. With energy prices remaining a key concern for American households, the White House continues to frame its policies as prioritizing domestic interests over international climate engagements.
Newsom’s visit and the ensuing criticism come amid broader debates over U.S. participation in global climate forums, balancing environmental responsibility with economic and energy security considerations.