California Governor Gavin Newsom Uses SCO Summit Video of Modi, Putin, Xi to Mock Donald Trump
Published On: September 2, 2025 | Updated: September 2, 2025
Introduction: Politics Meets Global Diplomacy
A rare moment of camaraderie between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, has unexpectedly spilled into U.S. politics. California Governor Gavin Newsom shared the viral video to take a sharp jab at former U.S. President Donald Trump, adding fuel to the heated debate over Trump’s plan to deploy the National Guard in American cities.
The Viral SCO Summit Clip
On September 1, 2025, cameras captured Prime Minister Modi walking hand-in-hand with President Putin before joining President Xi Jinping. The three leaders stood shoulder-to-shoulder, laughing warmly—a symbolic image of unity among major Asian powers.
This moment gained massive traction online and was later amplified by Governor Newsom on X (formerly Twitter), where he wrote:
“But have no fear … Trump is sending the Guard to Chicago.”
His satirical post instantly went viral, drawing attention not just to U.S. domestic politics but also to shifting global alliances.
Newsom’s Political Dig at Trump
Newsom’s post was a direct reference to Trump’s recent remarks about deploying National Guard troops to Chicago and New York to combat crime and illegal immigration.
- Trump had earlier stated: “We’re going to make our cities very, very safe … I think Chicago will be our next, and then we’ll help with New York.”
- Democrats, including Newsom, criticized this move as heavy-handed and authoritarian.
By juxtaposing Trump’s domestic crackdown with images of international diplomacy, Newsom sought to highlight what he views as Trump’s lack of vision on the global stage.
Geopolitical Significance of the SCO Moment
The SCO Summit in Tianjin carried significant symbolism:
- India’s Balancing Act – By walking alongside Putin and Xi, PM Modi showcased India’s independent diplomatic strategy, resisting Western pressure to isolate Russia and China.
- A Message on Trade & Tariffs – Analysts note this public camaraderie comes amid strained India–U.S. ties following Trump-era tariffs on Indian exports and India’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
- “Global Governance Initiative” – Modi also introduced his proposal for deeper global cooperation, contrasting sharply with Trump’s isolationist approach.
U.S. Reaction: Criticism and Concern
American officials quickly weighed in:
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent dismissed the SCO summit as “performative,” labeling India and China as “bad actors” for indirectly supporting Russia.
- Peter Navarro, Trump’s trade adviser, described Modi’s presence with Putin and Xi as “a shame,” branding Putin and Xi “the two biggest authoritarian dictators.”
This reaction underscores Washington’s unease as India strengthens ties with both Russia and China while maintaining strategic partnerships with the West.
Why This Story Matters
- For U.S. Politics – Newsom’s viral post signals his intent to sharpen contrasts with Trump, especially as a likely contender in the 2028 Presidential race.
- For Global Diplomacy – The image of Modi, Putin, and Xi together represents a possible recalibration of power dynamics in Asia, directly challenging Western narratives.
- For India – Modi’s participation reflects India’s pursuit of a multipolar world order where New Delhi asserts autonomy in its foreign policy.
Conclusion: Satire Meets Strategy
The convergence of global diplomacy and domestic U.S. politics around a single video illustrates how interconnected today’s world has become. What began as a lighthearted moment at the SCO Summit in China quickly turned into a political weapon in the U.S., wielded by California Governor Gavin Newsom against Donald Trump.
As America debates troop deployments in its cities and India asserts its role on the global stage, this incident highlights not just the fragility of geopolitics but also the power of optics in shaping public perception.
