Newsom Slams U.S. Tariffs and Federal Absence at COP30, Signs Bioeconomy MOUs in Brazil

Overview

• Speaking at the Milken Institute investors' forum in São Paulo on Nov. 10, he called the 50% tariffs on Brazil a “middle finger” from the Trump administration.
• Arriving in Belém for COP30 on Nov. 11, he said President Donald Trump does not represent California and cast the state as a reliable U.S. partner.
• Alongside Pará Governor Helder Barbalho, he toured the Parque de Inovação e Bioeconomia and endorsed plans for a Vale BioAmazônico technology hub.
• The two leaders signed three memoranda of understanding to cooperate on biosustainable technology and bioeconomy initiatives.
• He criticized the lack of U.S. national leadership at the conference and was accompanied by U.S. intelligence agents and federal police during his visit.