Trump Condemns UK-California Green Energy Partnership
Former US President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on a new green energy agreement between the United Kingdom and California, led by Governor Gavin Newsom. In an interview with Politico, Trump labelled the deal as "inappropriate" and used derogatory language towards Newsom, whom he referred to as "Gavin Newscum."
Trump's Fury Over International Cooperation
Trump expressed his displeasure, stating, "The UK's got enough trouble without getting involved with Gavin Newscum. Gavin is a loser. Everything he's touched turns to garbage. His state has gone to hell, and his environmental work is a disaster." He further argued that it was inappropriate for Newsom to strike such agreements and for the UK to engage with him, potentially creating tensions in UK-US relations as British officials monitor the situation.
Details of the UK-California Agreement
The memorandum of understanding was signed in London by California Governor Gavin Newsom and UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. This pact aims to deepen existing cooperation between the UK and California, establishing a framework to scale up clean energy technologies and enhance business and research ties. California, effectively the world's fourth-largest economy, will collaborate with the UK on protecting biodiversity and building resilience against extreme weather events.
Miliband commented, "Strong international partnerships like today's announcement with the state of California strengthen opportunities for UK businesses and secure investment for our country." The signing follows a previous meeting in New York in September, where discussions also covered AI implications for energy and lessons from California's wildfires—a topic over which Trump and Newsom have previously clashed.
Political Context and Reactions
Newsom, a prominent critic of Trump on issues such as immigration and climate change, attended the Munich Security Conference prior to his London visit, asserting, "Donald Trump's administration is temporary. California's commitment is not." He has been actively cultivating relationships with European leaders who oppose Trump's policies, including meetings with Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Both Newsom and Miliband are viewed negatively by the populist right. Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, suggested that Miliband could replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader if the party performs poorly in upcoming local elections, predicting a shift to the left. A source close to Miliband described the meeting with Newsom as productive, focusing on clean energy job and investment opportunities.
This development highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions as the UK navigates its energy and diplomatic strategies amidst US political divisions.
