Trump Gave Brazil the Middle Finger with the Tariffs, Says California Governor - Folha de S.Paulo

California Governor Gavin Newsom called the U.S. government’s decision to impose 50% surcharges on Brazilian products an "act of disrespect."

"Forget politics. Brazil is one of our major trading partners. And the American government responds with the middle finger, with tariffs. It’s shameful," Newsom said on Monday (10) at a Milken Institute event in São Paulo, before heading to Belém.

The Democrat also criticized the absence of Trump administration representatives at COP30, calling the gesture "childish." "There’s a leadership vacuum coming from the U.S. Not a single observer," he said.

Considered a likely candidate for the 2028 U.S. presidential race, Newsom said California stands out from the rest of the country for having "two-thirds clean energy" and being "a reliable long-term partner."

"There’s a reason Tesla was born in California. Elon Musk as we know him wouldn’t exist —and forgive us for that," he joked.

He also criticized the oil lobby and the backsliding of American automakers. "GM is trying to recreate the 19th century. China dominates software and batteries, while in the U.S. we double down on stupidity —but not in California," he said.