California Governor Gavin Newsom met with Alex Soros on Tuesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, drawing attention to the contrast between his recent criticisms of President Donald Trump’s economic agenda and his own engagement with one of the world’s most prominent political donor families.
The meeting was highlighted in a social media post by Soros, who praised Newsom as “the real star of the 2026 World Economic Forum” and commended his calls for world leaders to stand firm against Trump’s influence. Soros, the son of billionaire philanthropist George Soros, has increasingly taken on a public-facing role in global political advocacy and is widely seen as the heir to his father’s expansive donor network.
Newsom’s appearance in Davos comes just months after a pointed tweet in late 2025, in which he accused Trump of planning to raise healthcare costs by “over 75%” and shutting down the government to deliver tax cuts to “his billionaire buddies.”
While Newsom’s criticism focused on Trump’s domestic economic priorities, his meeting with Soros, whose family has long been a lightning rod for conservative criticism, has prompted scrutiny from some observers. The juxtaposition of railing against billionaire influence while engaging with one of the most politically active billionaire heirs underscores the complexities of elite political networking, especially in global forums like Davos.
The World Economic Forum, held annually in Switzerland, brings together heads of state, business leaders, and activists to discuss global challenges. Newsom’s participation signals his growing international profile and continued interest in shaping discourse beyond California, particularly on issues like climate change, democratic resilience, and economic inequality.
Neither Newsom nor Soros has publicly addressed the optics of their meeting, but the encounter reflects the broader tensions in American politics over wealth, influence, and the role of elite institutions.
