Overview
- In São Paulo and Belém, Gavin Newsom criticized President Donald Trump’s 50% tariff on Brazil, calling it a "middle finger" and "madness from an investment perspective."
- He noted the federal government sent no high-level delegation to COP30 and said "not even a note taker" showed up, while Trump skipped the summit.
- Newsom warned the United States is ceding green-tech leadership to China, pointing to supply chains, manufacturing, and software dominance as U.S. automakers slow EV plans.
- He arrived in Belém pledging that California will be a "reliable partner" on climate and green technology and planned meetings with subnational leaders, including Pará’s governor, with plenary remarks expected.
- Reuters reported he has been teasing a 2028 presidential run, though he deflected questions about his intentions during media appearances in Brazil.