Newsom Steps in to Replace Trump at Major Summit

California Gov. Newsom aims to enhance his international profile ahead of a potential 2028 White House bid.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has confirmed that he will attend the major global climate summit, which the Trump administration is refusing to send representatives to.

Newsom, widely touted as a potential Democratic 2028 presidential candidate, will be stepping in as the 79-year-old Trump stays away from the United Nations climate conference in Brazil, COP30, on Friday.

Trump has downplayed climate change as a “con job” and has expanded oil and gas production under a “drill, baby, drill” mantra this term.

The COP visit comes just days after Newsom scored a significant victory over Trump, as Californians overwhelmingly voted to approve measures to redraw the state’s congressional districts to help Democrats pick up additional House seats in next year’s midterms. The plans counter similar redistricting carried out by Republicans in Texas.

Speaking to Politico, Newsom said he will use his appearance at COP30 to promote himself as someone fully prepared to attack Trump from all sides, and that he is making the trip “because of the complete abdication of the Trump administration that is joining the Saudis and Russia and the Gulf states.”

https://www.thedailybeast.com/gavin-newsom-steps-in-to-replace-donald-trump-at-major-summit/