California Governor Gavin Newsom holds up a knee pad during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Bloomberg | Getty Images
California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday unveiled knee pads for leaders he is “selling” to the Trump administration.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Newsom said the red knee pads can be purchased through a website he created.
“Just as our nation’s law firms are selling out, so too are the last round of knee pads. Many American universities are selling out, and yes, many corporate leaders are selling out to this administration,” Newsom said.
“These are also available in large quantities,” he said, holding up one of the knee pads bearing the signature of U.S. President Donald Trump.
On Tuesday, Newsom accused world leaders of having “turned over” to Trump. “We can’t stand this conspiracy of people rolling over,” Newsom said in Davos. “I should have brought lots of knee pads for all the world leaders,” he said.
Newsom’s scheduled appearance at the USA House, which is listed on its website as the “official venue of the United States” for Davos, was reportedly canceled on Wednesday, shortly after Trump spoke at the forum.
“Last night, I was scheduled to speak. It was an established event in the U.S. House of Representatives, a brief conversation, a discussion after President Trump’s speech. They confirmed that I would not do that. They confirmed the cancellation,” Newsom said Thursday.
USA House is a private organization and does not represent the U.S. government. It is backed by large companies such as Microsoft, Pfizer, and blockchain company Ripple.
Newsom is a potential 2028 Democratic presidential nominee and has previously sparred with Trump.
