In a fiery exchange that has escalated the ongoing political feud between California Governor Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has launched a scathing critique of Newsom's capabilities and knowledge. Speaking to POLITICO’s Dasha Burns for "The Conversation," Bessent described Newsom as possibly "cracking up" and suggested that the California Governor is "in over his hairdo."

Governor Newsom, a vocal critic of Trump and a potential contender for the 2028 presidential race, has continuously opposed Trump's policies and decisions. This opposition was notably evident during the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, where Newsom was expected to speak but was controversially cancelled at the last minute — a move Newsom attributes to pressure from the Trump administration.

Bessent did not mince words in his interview, asserting that Newsom has a "brain the size of a walnut" and claiming that Newsom knows "less about economics than" former Vice President Kamala Harris, which he described as "a terrible place to be in." This comment is part of a broader pattern of direct attacks between Trump’s camp and Newsom, who have been at odds on various national and international issues.

At Davos, Newsom met with various global leaders and did not shy away from expressing his criticisms of Trump's foreign policy demands. In a bold gesture, he even presented a pair of knee pads emblazoned with Trump’s signature, mocking other world leaders for their compliance with the U.S. President. This stunt, along with Newsom's analogy of Trump to a 'tyrannosaurus rex,' was dismissed by Bessent as "strange things" that did not merit serious consideration.

In defense of the Trump administration's economic policies, Bessent highlighted their focus on safeguarding the investments of average Americans, including retirees who own multiple homes. He reiterated his critique of Newsom's understanding of economics and took a personal jab by comparing Newsom to a mix of fictional characters, labelling him "Patrick Bateman meets Sparkle Beach Ken."

This war of words shows no signs of abating, especially as both Newsom and Trump continue to wield significant influence on their respective platforms. The full interview with Bessent, which promises more insights into this political clash, will air on POLITICO's podcast "The Conversation."

As the political landscape heats up with these exchanges, the focus remains on how these conflicts will shape the policies and the public discourse heading towards the 2028 elections.