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.”
“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.
Pres. Donald J Trump at FII Priority in Miami, Feb. 19, 2025. (Photo: Ken Kurson for California Globe)
“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.”
