In a sharp exchange that underscores the growing tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent launched a personal attack on California Governor Gavin Newsom during a Friday morning interview on Fox News Channel's The Will Cain Show. Bessent, a key figure in the administration's economic policy, described Newsom as having a "glass jaw" and a "slow brain," accusing the governor of being unable to handle criticism despite his penchant for delivering it.
The interview, which aired on February 20, 2026, came amid ongoing friction between Newsom and the federal government. Bessent, drawing on a boxing metaphor, said, "One thing I’ll tell you, going back to boxing, he cannot take a punch. He likes to dish it out but go for him and he gets completely flustered. You bark at him and he’ll… glass jaw and I think like slow brain." The comments quickly went viral, with a clip shared on social media by political commentator Acyn, amplifying the exchange across platforms.
Newsom has positioned himself as a vocal critic of President Donald Trump's policies, particularly on issues like immigration and environmental regulations. As governor of the nation's most populous state, his opposition has often put California at odds with Washington, leading to legal battles and public spats. Bessent's remarks appear to be a direct response to this dynamic, portraying Newsom as thin-skinned in the face of pushback.
The timing of the interview coincides with speculation about Newsom's political future. Reports have swirled for months that the 58-year-old Democrat is preparing a bid for the 2028 presidential election, positioning himself as a potential challenger to Trump's legacy within the party. On Thursday, February 19, 2026, when pressed by the California Post about his intentions, Newsom demurred, stating, "It’s wildly premature." His office has not issued further comment on Bessent's attack.
Bessent, a former hedge fund manager who was confirmed as Treasury Secretary in early 2025, used the platform to pivot from the personal jab to promoting his own upcoming memoir, Young Man in a Hurry, set for release on February 24, 2026. In the interview, he noted the book's focus on his Bay Area roots and shared histories with figures like Newsom, saying, "But there is a book — and by the way, it talks a lot about the Bay Area and our respective histories, and, I’m looking forward to sharing it … and we’ll be on that book tour, this weekend and a little bit through next week."
The memoir tour is expected to take Bessent to several East Coast locations, though specific stops were not detailed in the interview. Bessent's book delves into his rise in finance and early political involvement, offering insights into the worlds of Wall Street and Washington. Critics have noted that such promotions by cabinet officials often serve dual purposes: advancing personal narratives while reinforcing administration messaging.
Meanwhile, Newsom is embarking on his own promotional circuit, though for a different project. His book tour for an unspecified title kicks off this weekend in Nashville, Tennessee, where he will headline a fundraiser for the Tennessee Democratic Party. The event, scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, at a yet-to-be-announced venue, is anticipated to draw hundreds of supporters and donors.
From Nashville, Newsom's itinerary shifts to Georgia on Sunday, followed by stops in South Carolina and New Hampshire early the next week. The latter two states hold particular significance as early primary battlegrounds in Democratic presidential contests, a fact not lost on political observers. New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary and South Carolina's influential role in diversifying the electorate could provide Newsom with opportunities to test messages and build alliances.
Political analysts suggest that Newsom's tour could serve as a soft launch for his national ambitions. "Governor Newsom has been methodical in building his profile beyond California," said Democratic strategist Maria Gonzalez in a recent interview with The Appleton Times. "These events allow him to connect with grassroots voters in key states without committing to a run." On the Republican side, figures like Bessent have ramped up rhetoric to preempt any Democratic resurgence.
The Bessent-Newsom feud is not isolated. It echoes broader partisan divides that have intensified since Trump's return to the White House in January 2025. California, under Newsom, has pursued aggressive policies on climate change and sanctuary state protections, directly challenging federal directives. For instance, in late 2025, Newsom sued the administration over cuts to federal funding for renewable energy projects, a case still pending in federal court.
Bessent's background adds another layer to the exchange. Born and raised in the Bay Area, he shares geographic ties with Newsom, who hails from San Francisco. Both men navigated the tech and finance booms of the 1990s and 2000s, though their paths diverged sharply: Newsom into Democratic politics and Bessent into Republican finance circles. The memoir's emphasis on "respective histories" hints at this shared yet contrasting foundation.
Reactions to Bessent's comments have been swift and polarized. Supporters of the Trump administration praised the Treasury Secretary's candor on social media, with one prominent conservative commentator tweeting, "Newsom finally getting a taste of his own medicine—love it!" Democrats, however, decried the remarks as unprofessional. California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks called it "petty and unbecoming of a cabinet official," in a statement released Friday afternoon.
As the book tours unfold, the personal barbs could foreshadow a larger political showdown. Newsom's potential presidential run would pit him against a field of Democrats eyeing the post-Trump era, while Bessent's role in steering economic policy positions him as a defender of the administration's agenda. With midterms looming in 2026 and the presidential cycle heating up, such exchanges highlight the high stakes of the current landscape.
Looking ahead, Bessent's tour through the coming weeks may include discussions on fiscal policy and trade, tying back to his official duties. Newsom's events, meanwhile, could evolve into campaign-style rallies if rumors solidify. For now, both men appear focused on their narratives, using the spotlight to shape public perceptions amid a fractious national discourse.
The episode serves as a reminder of how personal animosities can fuel political narratives. As one unnamed White House aide told Politico on condition of anonymity, "Bessent doesn't pull punches—that's why he's effective." Whether this latest salvo escalates or fades remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly adds fuel to the ongoing partisan fire.