An upcoming United Nations climate summit in the Amazonian city of Belém, Brazil — COP30 — is expected to feature speeches and appearances from California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
But Republican gubernatorial candidate and former Fox News host Steve Hilton is urging organizers to rethink that plan.
Hilton sent a letter this week to summit leaders, insisting they should refuse any additional speaking roles for Newsom or risk damaging the conference’s credibility. He accused the governor of “climate hypocrisy,” arguing that California imports nearly half of all crude oil extracted from the Amazon rainforest.
“Governor Newsom has built his political image around climate virtue signaling while presiding over one of the most environmentally destructive hypocrisies in the world,” Hilton wrote. He claimed this oil trade drives deforestation and displaces Indigenous groups, while Newsom portrays himself as a global climate champion “jetting to international conferences to pose for cameras.”
Hilton also pointed out that members of California’s Democrat-controlled State Senate voted unanimously earlier this year to investigate the state’s involvement in the Amazonian oil market. Environmental advocates say the expansion of oil drilling in the region is destroying biodiversity and directly contradicts California’s reputation as a climate-focused leader.
In the letter, Hilton described Newsom’s planned summit appearance as “political theater masquerading as leadership.”
Newsom spoke at the conference Tuesday and used the moment to criticize Donald Trump’s environmental record, calling the former president an “invasive species” and a “wrecking ball” to climate progress. The governor is scheduled to take part in additional activities over the two-week summit, including a visit into the Amazon to meet with local communities and officials.
Fox News Digital requested comment from Newsom’s office regarding Hilton’s call to block his participation. The response from Newsom spokeswoman Izzy Gardon consisted of just six words:
“I’m sorry – who is Steve Hilton?”
