Gov. Gavin Newsom signs retail theft bills. (Photo: ca.gov)
White House Responds to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Plan to Trade Internationally, Be Excluded From Retaliatory Tariffs
‘Gavin Newsom should focus on out-of-control homelessness, crime, regulations, and unaffordability in California instead of trying his hand at international dealmaking’
By Evan Symon, April 4, 2025 10:25 pm
The White House responded to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement of a desired separate trade deal with other countries and for California-made products to be exempted from tariffs on Friday, publicly rebuking his plan.
Earlier this week, President Donald Trump made his largest tariff announcement to date, with “Liberation Day” tariffs affecting most countries around the world. While a 10% tariff on all countries was set, other countries received higher amounts, including 20% for EU countries, 34% for China, 24% for Japan, and 47% for Vietnam. While some countries have yet to impose their own tariffs in retaliation, some already have, namely China with a 34% tariff on U.S. goods.
The latest tariffs, along with previous 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, sparked Governor Newsom to announce his own pursuit of new strategic partnerships with international trading partners Friday. In addition, he is asking for California-made products to be excluded from any retaliatory measures from other countries.
“As global responses to the Trump Administration’s tariffs take shape, Governor Gavin Newsom today directed his Administration to pursue new strategic trade relationships with international partners aimed at strengthening shared economic resilience and protecting California’s manufacturers, workers, farmers, businesses, and supply chains,” a press release from the Governor’s office said on Friday. “As part of this effort, the Governor is also calling on long-standing trade partners to exempt California-made products from any retaliatory measures, reinforcing the state’s commitment to fair, open, and mutually beneficial trade.”
Newsom also took to social media, defending his decision.
“Donald Trump’s tariffs do not represent all Americans,” said Newsom on X. “And on behalf of 40 million Americans who live in the great state of California, the tentpole of the U.S. economy, 14% of the U.S. GDP and the fifth largest economy in the world, the dominant manufacturing state in America. Our state of mind is supporting stable trading relationships around the globe. And that’s why today I’ve directed my administration to look at new opportunities, to expand trade and to remind our trading partners across the globe that California remains a stable partner.
“California is a stable trading partner, and we hope you consider that as it relates to California-made products California remains open for business.”
“California leads the nation as the #1 state for agriculture and manufacturing — and it’s our workers, families, and farmers who stand to lose the most from this Trump tax hike and trade war,” said Newsom in a separate statement. “To our international partners: As the fifth largest economy in the world, the Golden State will remain a steady, reliable partner for generations to come, no matter the turbulence coming out of Washington. California is not Washington, D.C.”
Newsom’s announcement was swiftly criticized by several lawmakers in California, as well as the White House.
“Gavin Newsom should focus on out-of-control homelessness, crime, regulations, and unaffordability in California instead of trying his hand at international dealmaking,” said White House spokesman Kush Desai late on Friday.
While President Trump didn’t respond directly to Newsom’s plan, he did say that the tariffs are here to stay until other countries remove theirs.
“Big business is not worried about the Tariffs, because they know they are here to stay, but they are focused on the BIG, BEAUTIFUL DEAL, which will SUPERCHARGE our Economy,” said Trump on Truth Social on Friday. “Very important. Going on right now!!!
“Just had a very productive call with To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, who told me that Vietnam wants to cut their Tariffs down to ZERO if they are able to make an agreement with the U.S. I thanked him on behalf of our Country, and said I look forward to a meeting in the near future.”
As of Friday evening, Newsom has continued to defend his stance as well, appealing directly to other countries.
“TO OUR TRADING PARTNERS AROUND THE GLOBE — California is here and ready to talk. We will not sit idly by during Trump’s tariff war. We make up 14% of the US GDP. We’re the 5th largest economy in the world. We’re not scared to use our market power to fight back against the largest tax hike of our lifetime.”
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This is rich coming from the Worst Governor Ever, Gavin Newsom, who has almost single-handedly turned our once-Golden State into a fully corrupt and filthy smoldering pit of a hellhole.
What on earth is WRONG with this guy? Does he really think this is the way to fulfill his doomed prez ambitions? If he does, he has a HUGE surprise coming.
Yes, indeed Showandtell. This is just more narcissistic grandstanding from our scumbag of a governor. We will continue to see this sort of behavior up until 2028 when he makes another run for POTUS….unless, well, perhaps Laura Loomer can do some digging and meet with Pam Bondi or Cash Patel? We all know that there is a China connection, no?
Oh yes, should anyone ever need an expert in narcissistic grandstanding and scumbaggery, Gavin’s your man. But it’ll cost you! Gavin doesn’t give away his tips and favors for free, you know.
I hear you on the China connection but I contend, some would say stubbornly, that a state governor always has the option of saying YES or NO to illicit connections, and to the millions, perhaps billions in bribery, kickbacks, and the like. That it is ENTIRELY up to him to reject such temptations as an individual who is supposed to be the first executive of the state of California, and who has taken a sacred oath to uphold the state’s and the nation’s constitutions and serve the People of California. Even if he likely had his hand on a copy of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas instead of the Bible that oath should matter to one who has been entrusted to lead 39 million people, for God’s sake.
However, if the China or any other illicit connection means he can be charged, tried, convicted, and thrown in prison forever for his many betrayals, then of course I fully support digging into his crimes with abandon.
He is a Narrasicist criminal trying to fulfill more of his looser ambitions with a Ego which won’t quite! The idiot is so full of himself, to even think California’s support his sorry a##! He has destroyed the Golden State and the only people he fights for is his ILLEGALS, CRIMINALS! Geez this fool trying to make trade deals on his own. we will most likely end up with NO FOOD OR GOODS And a other 100 % tax hike! I suppose a challenge to a FULL OUTSIDE FEDERAL INDEPENDENT AUDIT ON OUR ELECTIONS WOULD NOT BE A ISSUE FOR HIM! HIGHEST GAS. UTILITIES, TAXES, FOOD, HOUSING, CRIME, HOMELESS, FIRES, WATER CRISIS, ILLEGALS IN THE COUNTRY! NO ACCOUNTABILITY ON TAXPAYERS MONEY NO WERE IN SIGHT! GOD HELP US. GET THIS DISASTER REMOVED AND ARRESTED!
I thought it was ok to break the law and ignore judges so I dunno why you’re bothered
Californian here. Gavin is awesome!
at what? he sent his kids out of state to keep them in schools while ours were forced to stay home during covid.
he allows criminals to steal up to $950 per occurrence with no penalties and if we stop them.we are fired or criminally charged.
billions unaccounted for with homeless
he welcomes illegals and has more rights and benefits for them.instead of us tax payers.
so again, please enlighten me what Nancy Pelosi’s nephew has done to help this state.
you funny. Newsom does not represent me of the majority of California
He is a Narrasicist criminal trying to fulfill more of his looser ambitions with a Ego which won’t quite! The idiot is so full of himself, to even think California’s support his sorry a##! He has destroyed the Golden State and the only people he fights for is his ILLEGALS, CRIMINALS! Geez this fool trying to make trade deals on his own. we will most likely end up with NO FOOD OR GOODS And a other 100 % tax hike! I suppose a challenge to a FULL OUTSIDE FEDERAL INDEPENDENT AUDIT ON OUR ELECTIONS WOULD NOT BE A ISSUE FOR HIM! HIGHEST GAS. UTILITIES, TAXES, FOOD, HOUSING, CRIME, HOMELESS, FIRES, WATER CRISIS, ILLEGALS IN THE COUNTRY! NO ACCOUNTABILITY ON TAXPAYERS MONEY NO WERE IN SIGHT! GOD HELP US. GET THIS DISASTER REMOVED AND ARRESTED!
newsom, leading his slaves to the bottom
Californians have more than enough evidence to have concluded —– long, long ago —- that Newsom doesn’t give a crap about the welfare of this state. He is bent on destroying it. Every action of his has been destructive. Go ahead, name ONE positive. Instead of changing course upon seeing the wreckage, he gets worse and worse over time, more and more destructive, to us and to the country.
As you know…
Search for and read again “Critics of Trump’s Reciprocal Tariffs are Missing the Economics Gene,” Katy Grimes, March 11, 2025
Also check out Victor Davis Hanson’s explanation of Trump’s tariffs:
https://x.com/FreyjaTarte/status/1908281098141892883
Exactly
%! What Narrasicist do, take take and destroy all around them! He just is not fully done destroying CA yet. He must have a Sinister plan on pocketing more $$$$ off us taxpayers over this doing his own trade deals for us! I can’t take anymore pain and suffering under his watch! His plans will be a total destruction of CA leaving those of us which could not escape in the hell of a 3rd world horror. like all Narrasicist we all know his next Ambition is to make a run for the Presidential 2028 bid! Who could ever deny such a Charming guy and not see what a wonderful job he has done with CA! But wait, he is not done yet!
Missing from this article is a discussion regarding the legality of Newsom’s action. Perhaps it is legal. Does anyone know?
It seems to me that this issue was settled in the Civil War, Fed Up. The Confederate States of America publicly based their insurrection in large part on economic issues – but it was really slavery. When you think about it, isn’t this what Newscum is doing? Aren’t we all in effect his slaves?
Raymond, maybe we need William Tecumseh Sherman marching through California. I’m ok with that.
Fed Up and Raymond,
Didn’t Newsom once try to “partner” with New Zealand on some stupid issue a few years ago, whether it was the fake hysterical response to Covid or the fake Green Agenda, I can’t remember which, where he acted under his own flea-bitten premise of executive authority to do so as though California were a separate country? It was certainly improper (on steroids) if not illegal.
I have a vague memory of this; will have to search for it.
What a jerk.
FYI: Here is the Katy Grimes article from May 2022 that covers Newsom and his showboating “climate agreement” with the Prime Minister of New Zealand (a Usual Suspect).
“Why Did Gov. Newsom Sign Climate Deal With New Zealand?
“https://californiaglobe.com/fr/why-did-gov-newsom-sign-climate-deal-with-new-zealand/
Excerpt:
“According to Gov. Newsom’s press statement, ‘Expanding California’s global climate leadership, Governor Gavin Newsom today established a new international climate partnership with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. California and New Zealand signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) to tackle the climate crisis, reduce pollution, and bolster the clean economy, while emphasizing community resilience and partnership with indigenous leaders.'”
Showandtell, since this New Zealand thing was done as a MOC (Memorandum of Cooperation) I believe that it would be similar to a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) and is not legally binding:
“Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) are generally not legally binding, as they outline intentions and agreements without creating enforceable obligations. However, their legal status can depend on the specific language used and the intent of the parties involved.”
Yes, Raymond, and that’s the point, I think. When he does this stuff it’s “for show” and he is posturing, much like a what you mentioned; i.e., an MOU or a city council “resolution.” None of it has any teeth but accomplishes the Dem and Gavin goal of fooling people that he is “resisting” Trump policies. This is what Jerry Brown did, too, if I’m reading it right. Careful wording of the “memorandum of cooperation” gets everybody off the hook. It looks like the gov-of-the-moment is doing something about “climate change” or tariffs, or whatever the issue of the day is, but it is not law, it can’t be enforced, Newsom knows it but can look like a good Dem “Trump resister,” then move on to the next distraction.
This is a consistent part of Newsom’s profile, in fact: All talk, no action, spend billions with no interest in positive results, chase the photo-op, the pose, the blustery word-salad remarks at the podium, to reporters at the sites of the L.A. fires, etc. It’s all about how it looks, not about doing anything concrete or what is accomplished. And he has no problem with lying or tricking voters or any other deception as long as the ability to stay in power and climb the power ladder is the result. He knows a lot of “Trump-resisters” will buy into it. Also it gives him a chance to look “presidential” on the international stage by appearing to rub elbows with foreign powers.
that maybe true, but that’s one state unlike destroying the U.S. like Bozo the clown and Mr. Tesla which is going downhill by the second. I know people that voted for Bozo that r now ruing their decision because they lost a lot in the market thanks to him.
no, it is not legal per Article 1, section 10, clause 3.
federal government is to set all tariff and foreign policies. jerry brown should have been impeached when he signed a green deal with China during his last term. states are prohibited from entering into bilateral agreements with foreign powers. but no one at the time was willing to take him to court. Jerry’s bill was carefully worded to imply a “promise” to reduce greenhouse gases by a certain date, but said it was “not a legally binding agreement”. newsom ain’t gonna include that postscript on a tariff agreement. sue his pants off and charge him with violation of constitution with a foreign power – will it meet definition of treason though?
https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/article-1/section-10/clause-3/#:~:text=No%20State%20shall%2C%20without%20the,will%20not%20admit%20of%20delay.
This is so great — thank you.
Actual research!
Thanks for the intel CaliGirl!!!
I believe that it would, CalifGirl, IF California collaborated with other leftist-controlled states to enjoin the Trump administration policy on federal tariffs. They would have to take “action” and not stand on a soapbox “talking” like Newscum is doing. By “just talking” he is covering himself through his right of free speech. Jerry Brown got away with it, as you point out, by cleverly making it a “promise” (which can be easily broken) and not an “executive order”. Although, I would defer to the experts – I am neither a constitutional or legal expert. Will the leftist state attorneys general have the guts to sue the Trump administration on tariffs? If they do, let’s see if the leftist judges will help them on this one.
I am not a lawyer either, but I took a constitutional history class in college and studied this section right around the time Jerry Brown went to China so the statute stuck out to me.
Newsom wasn’t stating that he plans to sue Trump. He plans to ship goods overseas to countries willing to exempt California from retaliatory tariffs. he is acting as though he is leading an independent country, not a state within a republic whose constitution clearly dictates that tariffs are solely the federal government’s jurisdiction. when he says “california remains open for business [as usual]”, is he suggesting that he will return the “favored nation status” that his trading partners give him by smuggling goods in through Long Beach and Huntington Beach, so they can bypass federal tariffs? this would be an impeachable offense. i don’t know however if Congress or the Supreme Court would remove a sitting governor as that has never happened before. but Newsom is in a league of his own.
@CaliGirl, good to know. I believe that what you are describing as Newsom’s intended actions, would be a violation of the Commerce Clause: Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution. If you follow the reference link below, this is the last paragraph:
“While most discussion surrounding the Commerce Clause revolves around the federal government, it indirectly also affects state governments through what’s known as the Dormant Commerce Clause . The Dormant Commerce Clause refers to the prohibition, implicit in the Commerce Clause, against states passing legislation that discriminates against or excessively burdens interstate commerce. Of particular importance is the prevention of protectionist state policies that favor state citizens or businesses at the expense of non-citizens conducting business within that state. For example, in West Lynn Creamery Inc. v. Healy the Supreme Court struck down a Massachusetts state tax on milk products because the tax impeded interstate commercial activity by discriminating against non-Massachusetts citizens and businesses.”
https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/commerce_clause
“i don’t know however if Congress or the Supreme Court would remove a sitting governor as that has never happened before. but Newsom is in a league of his own.”
@CaliGirl, If he does go through with his grand plan to bypass or undermine federal tariffs I believe that TJ is right. The DOJ could charge him with conduct amounting to “an act of sedition.”
Sedition: The raising of commotion in a state, not amounting to insurrection; conduct tending to treason, but without an overt act; excitement of discontent against the government, or of resistance to lawful authority.
I highly doubt it but since when does this guy follow any laws! He certainly has not followed his Oath, followed what even the people of CA have voted for. He is so delusional and seems to forget the AMERICAN PEOPLE VOTED FOR TRUMP And MAGA Agenda!The narrasicist failure does not get the people of CA Never elected him. Want him gone! His only party is those he represents and fights for is Illegals and Criminals! I can’t imagine how he can legally do this. Not something the people voted on and with his track record leaves one wondering what other disasters can he cause! I also would think this is a National Security concern! What oversight is there? CA IS BANKRUPT AND THIS FOOL DECIDES NOW HE IS GOING TO BE CA OWN TRADE KING IN GOODS BECAUSE HE DOES NOT AGREE WITH THE PRESIDENT OF THE USA! NEEDS REMOVED AND ARRESTED!
So much with Newsoms foray into transforming into a conservative. He will always lurch left because that is his natural instinct. What is good about this current incident is that he is falling into line like the district court judges and standing against the President and the nation. Tougher days are ahead for Newsom
The DOJ should thoroughly investigate Gov. Gavin “Hair-gel Hitler” Newsom and the rest of the Democrat thug mafia that controls this state? No doubt some major criminality will be revealed? GITMO might be the perfect place for them to stay until they return back to the dark hell that they came from?
I agree, TJ. If they go through with the “Newsom Plan”, he and the people behind him in the photo could be charged with violations of the Commerce Clause, conspiracy and sedition. GITMO has lots of room and if they run out of space there’s a lot more in El Salvador.
By “trading partners” he means China-based electric vehicle manufacturer BYD Motors, to whom he gave $1.5 billion in no-bid contracts in 2020 and promises in the form of an electric vehicle mandate. I would love to see the State Department and FBI audit his office.
^^^ BINGO!!! THIS is EXACTLY what this slimewad Governor is angling for!!!
10% for himself, just like Joey Buyedin and Aunt Nancy and her insider-trading schemes….
“California leads the nation as the #1 state for agriculture and manufacturing — and it’s our workers, families, and farmers who stand to lose the most from this Trump tax hike and trade war,”
gavin, why is california bankrupt?
Gavin is a tentpole
Governor Gavin Newson is a scumbag. He is taking California deep deep under. I don’t understand why we have this man as our governor when all he thinks about is himself and he doesn’t care about the Californians. We deserve better than that. God forbid that this man becomes our president one day. We think we had a bad with President Biden, just wait to see what happens if this guy becomes president.
“‘As global responses to the Trump Administration’s tariffs take shape, Governor Gavin Newsom today directed his Administration to pursue new strategic trade relationships with international partners aimed at strengthening shared economic resilience and protecting California’s manufacturers, workers, farmers, businesses, and supply chains,’ a press release from the Governor’s office said on Friday. ”
Newsom doesn’t give a damn about businesses in this state. If he did, California wouldn’t be ranked dead last for business climate by a poll of CEOs for Chief Executive Magazine. We wouldn’t have businesses and jobs fleeing the state. This is just more political grandstanding by the worst governor in California history. This guy is a clown.
Protect Freedom, see my response to CaliGirl above:
@CaliGirl, good to know. I believe that what you are describing as Newsom’s intended actions, would be a violation of the Commerce Clause: Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution……
He is a clown indeed, Protect Freedom. By doing this against the Trump administration’s tariffs, he is now attempting to usurp the constitutional authority of Congress……Who the hell does he think he is, GOD?
“Congress has often used the Commerce Clause to justify exercising legislative power over the activities of states and their citizens, leading to significant and ongoing controversy regarding the balance of power between the federal government and the states. The Commerce Clause has historically been viewed as both a grant of congressional authority and as a restriction on the regulatory authority of the States.”
OH, the things that I wish for that cannot be printed. Here, Gavie-poo, have another glass of PlumpJack.
Judging by the results of his governorship in California, Newsom has nothing to brag about.
Even the elected Superintendent of Public Education* has been revealed to have a side gig with an NGO for $100K a year. Most likely all of our elected officials are supported by NGO’s, and you can be sure the Export/Import NGO’s are funding Newsom’s ideas from one end of the state to another.
*https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/04/schools-superintendent-side-jobs/
Anything to divert attention from the mess that he and his people created in California.. He doesn’t even know the commerce law that forbids such things.
Newsom is grandstanding, He has no legal authority to overrule a Presidential EO! None!
He can trade but he can’t eliminate a tariff!
Does the the guy even understand how tariffs work?
He can talk all he wants but his words are meaningless!
Newsom will do ANYTHING to get his name and hair in the national media. He has no other objective other than running for president and cares very little about California taxpayers and businesses as proven by his abysmal track record and the present condition of California.
AMEN…. anything to get mainstream media coverage and keep his slimy countenance in the forefront of any current situation…
How’s the FIRE REBUILDING going, you asshat Governor??? Have you started your “L.A. 2.0 reimagined” projects yet???
Hey Gavin – suck on THIS :
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/ca-fails-audit-federal-programs-66-covid-unemployment-benefits-question
If one doesn’t want to read the entire article, here’s the Cliffs Notes version :
“The audit found that even in 2023 — years after the state made $55 billion in fraudulent COVID lockdown-era benefits payments — the state likely made “potentially ineligible payments” of nearly $200 million. The audit also found that of 138 pandemic unemployment assistance claimants that were tested, 91, or 66%, had verification issues.
“While Gavin Newsom chases the national spotlight, Californians are left with an administration that can’t accomplish the basic functions of government,” said California State Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher to The Center Square.
“The federal government is right to take a look at this spending and decide if it’s appropriate to keep throwing resources at an administration that treats it like Monopoly money.”
This numbnut “Governor” couldn’t manage his way out of a paper sack….