Sports and media commentator Stephen A. Smith criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for remarks he made about Donald Trump while attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, arguing that domestic political disputes should not be aired abroad.
Smith addressed Newsom’s comments during a recent broadcast, questioning the governor’s decision to speak critically about the President of the United States while overseas and in the presence of foreign leaders.
Smith framed his criticism around national unity and the appropriateness of where and how disagreements with the president should be expressed.
“Gavin Newsom, respectfully, what are you doing?” Smith said.
“You’re the Governor of the State of California in the United States of America. Why are you over in Davos, Switzerland, talking to folks and speaking negatively about the President of the United States.”
Smith made clear that he does not object to political disagreement itself, nor to Newsom voicing opposition to the president’s policies. Instead, he drew a distinction between criticism delivered domestically and criticism delivered on an international stage.
“I have no problem with Gavin Newsom being candid and open about his feelings about our president on United States soil,” Smith said.
“To go over to another country, Switzerland, to go over there and to be in the presence of other European leaders speaking against the President of the United States. I’m not down with that. Y’all might be. I’m not down with that at all.”
The comments came amid ongoing tensions between Democratic governors and the Trump administration on issues ranging from immigration and energy policy to economic priorities.
Newsom has frequently positioned himself as a national critic of President Trump, including in interviews and public appearances outside California.
Smith argued that while such disagreements are part of American political life, they should remain within the country’s borders.
He emphasized that political leaders have a responsibility to present a unified front when representing the United States internationally, regardless of party affiliation.
“Say whatever you want here as a governor from the opposite side of the aisle of a state in the United States on American soil, fine,” Smith said.
“But I’m one of those people when we go somewhere else, it’s America first.”
Smith continued by invoking the idea that internal disputes should not be shared with foreign audiences, particularly at high-profile international gatherings such as Davos, where global political and business leaders convene.
“You know our problems? Yeah, our problems,” he said.
“But we ain’t taking dirty laundry outside. You don’t go on a world stage to disrespect your own house, which is the United States of America.”
Smith concluded his remarks by reiterating his strong disapproval of Newsom’s approach, stating that while political debate is essential, context and setting matter when national leadership and international perception are involved.
“I don’t like that at all,” Smith said.
“Not even a little bit.”
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