Gov. Gavin Newsom claimed the Trump administration’s sweeping environmental deregulations are a “death sentence” for the US auto industry, slamming the rollback that’s estimated to save California drivers $2,400 — while also trying to take credit for boosting “manufacturing innovation” in the country.
In remarks at the Munich Security Conference Friday, Newsom blasted President Donald Trump as “doubling down on stupid” by rolling back sweeping Obama-era climate policies that regulated greenhouse gas emissions.
“Trump is trying to turn back the clock,’ the rumored 2028 presidential candidate told a room full of European policymakers, who offered intermittent applause.
The so-called “endangerment finding” enacted in 2009 labels greenhouse emissions harmful to health, and allowed the Environmental Protection Agency to constrain carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide by vehicles and power plants.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin estimated the changes would lower car costs by $2,400.
“What Trump just did … I think was writing a death sentence to legacy American auto manufacturers,” he added.
Climate regulations have helped the US auto industry keep up with competition from China in electric vehicles, Newsom claimed.
“It’s been California regulation in this space that has driven manufacturing innovation,” Newsom boasted.
Newsom’s jaunt to Munich for the invite-only gathering of world leaders, diplomats, top military brass and other elites is his second international trip since Davos in January, when he scolded European leaders for caving to Trump’s demands.
Donald Trump’s actions will lead to the death of American car manufacturing. It’s horrendous and completely self-inflicted. pic.twitter.com/94jsGzJ7wD
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) February 13, 2026
The governor pointed to “the temporary nature of this administration” at the Friday climate chat.
“Donald Trump is temporary. He’ll be gone in 3 years. California is a stable and reliable partner in this space.”
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly dismissed Newsom’s Munich trip as theater.
“Gavin Newscum’s travels to Davos and Munich would be considered a vanity project if anyone there actually knew or cared who he was. He should fix the many problems he created in California instead, but he clearly enjoys the humiliation ritual – sick!”
Republicans blasted Newsom’s comments as out-of-touch pandering to European elites.
“The only substantive thing Newsom seems to be doing is pledging to make life even more of a nightmare for hard working Californians who are already being crushed by the highest gas prices, electric bills and vehicle registration costs in America – all thanks to Newsom’s insane climate crusade,” Steve Hilton, a candidate for governor, said in a statement.
“Now Newsom says he’s against President Trump’s plan to lower the cost of buying a car by an average of $2,400 by getting rid of pointless climate bureaucracy.”
