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Beshear promotes Kentucky in Europe, amid testy trade talks and potential travel limitations back home

Governor's Office X

While Gov. Andy Beshear is attending the World Economic Forum in Europe, Republicans back home are looking to rein in the governor's ability to spend on travel.

Beshear has been posting short videos and pictures, touting his efforts to secure more overseas investment in Kentucky.

"I'm proud to represent us on this national stage. We're going to make sure we bring home opportunity," he said.

It's a pledge that could prove more challenging this time around with tensions escalating between the US and Europe as President Donald Trump ratchets up efforts to acquire Greenland and threatens new tariffs on European allies.

But Beshear faces headwinds back home too, with the filing of House Bill 86. If passed, it would require the governor to request permission from the state treasurer to use tax dollars for international travel and prohibit the use of tax dollars for any such travel without that approval.

Beshear's predecessor, Republican Matt Bevin, also took a number of overseas trips aimed at securing more foreign investment in the state.