Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom in a speech at the World Economic Forum, likening him to "Patrick Bateman meets Sparkle Beach Ken". Newsom has also reportedly claimed he was blocked from speaking at the event, although the circumstances are unclear. The comments from Bessent have been characterized as a brutal takedown of Newsom, with some outlets interpreting the comparison as a reference to Newsom being economically illiterate or similar to a serial killer.