Video News Clips: In Their Own Words

Gavin Newsom The KneePad Salesmen Finds A New Audience At Davos

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (Screen Capture/CSPAN)

Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who appears to sell kneepads for donations, found a new audience for his make-believe merchandise while speaking to a reporter during the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Tuesday.

The WEF kicked off its annual event in Davos, Switzerland on Monday, with nearly 3,000 high profile business, government and other participants attending. During the second day of the event, a reporter approached the California governor asking if he had a message for Europeans who are concerned about the Trump administration’s comments regarding their interest in purchasing Greenland.

“Yeah, it’s time to buck up. It’s time to get serious and stop being complicit. It’s time to stand tall and firm, have a backbone. I’ve seen this in the United States, the supine Congress playing both sides, saying one thing on a text or a tweet and another publicly. It’s time to have principle. It’s time to stand strong. It’s time to stand united,” Newsom said. “You make that determination. I don’t make that determination.”

The reporter could be heard continuing to press Newsom, asking what he meant by “standing strong.” (RELATED: Gavin Newsom Becomes Stuttering Mess As He’s Asked If Boys Can Become Girls)

“Just I can’t take this complicity. People rolling over,” Newsom said. “I should have brought a bunch of knee pads for all the world leaders. I mean, handing out crowns. I mean, this is pathetic. Nobel Prizes, they are being given away. I mean, it’s just pathetic. And I hope people understand how pathetic they look on the world stage. I mean, at least from an American perspective, it’s embarrassing.”

“The Europeans should decide for themselves what to do. But one thing they can’t do is what they’ve been doing and they’ve been playing. This guy is playing folks for fools and it’s embarrassing. Europeans think this is diplomacy and this will ultimately work. Diplomacy with Donald Trump? He’s a T-Rex. You mate with him or he devours you. One or the other,” Newsom added.

WATCH:

Newsom satirically launched a line of “gear” on his Patriot shop in 2025, appearing to mock Make America Great Again (MAGA) merchandise, in order to fundraise against the GOP and President Donald Trump. Listing a “sold out” $100 Bible on his site, the governor also announced in October 2025 a new “line” of red kneepads sporting Trump’s signature.

“!!! SOLD OUT !!! WOW! Looks like @SpeakerJohnson bought all 219 of our knee pads for his delegation! Don’t worry, @LeaderJohnThune, we will restock soon!! We know many of you need them!” Newsom teased.

At the time of the launch Newsom’s store had the price of the kneepads listed for $0, showing it was immediately “sold out,” as he touted the line of handing out kneepads to those who didn’t oppose Trump in his speeches. However, as of Tuesday the item shows the cost of $100, with an “expected to release” date for Friday.

“For all your groveling to Trump needs — now in Republican red. For the low low price of your soul. ‘Newsom Kneepads,'” the site states.

The site notes that the purchase is a donation to the Campaign for Democracy, adding that orders ship within ten days and it is union printed and made in the U.S. It is unclear whether the donation includes the physical product, as it was previously identified as a parody.

Newsom and his press team have ramped up their attacks against Trump and Republicans over the last year, with the governor and his press office often mocking Trump’s writing style and phrases.

While the governor has not officially confirmed a presidential run for 2028, he teased in October that he would be “lying” if he said he’s not going to give it “serious thought” after the 2026 midterm elections.