Trump Condemns Newsom’s Clean Energy Deal with Britain as ‘Inappropriate’

President Donald Trump on Monday, February 16, 2026 criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom over his newly announced clean energy agreement with Great Britain, calling the deal “inappropriate” and criticizing the Democrat’s environmental record.

Trump made the comments in an interview following Newsom’s announcement of a memorandum of understanding with Great Britain to advance clean energy technologies.

“The U.K.’s got enough trouble without getting involved with Gavin Newscum,” Trump said, using his nickname for Newsom. “Gavin is a loser. Everything he’s touched turns to garbage. His state has gone to hell, and his environmental work is a disaster.”

Trump also stated that it was “inappropriate” for Newsom to enter into such agreements and for Great Britain to be dealing with him.

Newsom, a 2028 Democratic presidential hopeful, met with Great Britain’s Energy Secretary Ed Miliband in London during a European tour. The two pledged collaboration on clean energy projects, including offshore wind, as part of efforts to achieve net zero emissions.

Miliband noted that “strong international partnerships” would expand opportunities for Great Britain’s businesses and help secure new investment for the country.

However, Trump warned that the agreement would ultimately harm Great Britain. “People are leaving,” he said of California. “The worst thing that Great Britain can do is get involved in Gavin. If they did to Great Britain what he did to California, this will not be a very successful venture.”

Trump has previously criticized wind power and condemned Newsom’s leadership of California.

This year, the Trump administration withdrew the United States from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

At last week’s Munich Security Conference, Newsom delivered a contrasting message to European leaders, stating: “If there’s nothing else I can communicate today — Donald Trump is temporary. He’ll be gone in three years.”