California Governor Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers convened a special session on Monday, signaling the state's intent to fortify its progressive policies against anticipated federal challenges during Donald Trump's incoming presidency. The session underscores California's role as a bastion of liberal resistance, mirroring its stance during Trump's first term.
Newsom, a staunch critic of Trump, urged the Democratic-controlled Legislature to approve additional funding for the state attorney general's office to prepare for legal battles on issues including climate change, abortion rights, immigration, and civil liberties. Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel introduced a proposal to allocate $25 million for legal defenses. "California will be ready to vigorously defend our interests and values from any unlawful action by the incoming Trump Administration," Gabriel stated.
This preemptive maneuver comes as California braces for policy clashes with Trump, who has frequently used the state as a foil in his rhetoric, criticizing its immigration policies, environmental regulations, and homelessness issues. During a campaign stop, Trump referred to Newsom disparagingly as "New-scum" and vowed to dismantle policies emblematic of California's progressive identity.
The state previously mounted a robust legal resistance to Trump, suing his administration more than 120 times between 2017 and 2021. "We're not going to be caught flat-footed," Newsom declared during a recent press conference, emphasizing the need for preparedness.
The special session coincides with the swearing-in of over two dozen new lawmakers, who are expected to prioritize safeguarding California's laws. Hundreds of protesters rallied outside the Capitol, urging action against Trump's proposed mass deportation plans. Attorney General Rob Bonta reiterated the state's commitment to protecting its immigrant population, declaring, his state justice department will "do everything in our power and use the full authority of our office to defend you."
Newsom unveiled contingency measures, including reviving an electric vehicle rebate program should the Trump administration revoke federal tax credits for EV buyers. He also proposed a disaster relief fund to counter Trump's threats to withhold federal wildfire aid. These initiatives aim to shield the state's policies from federal rollback.
Republican lawmakers have criticized the session, arguing that it reflects a partisan agenda rather than addressing Californians' immediate concerns. Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher called it a "shameless political stunt," asserting that the issues at hand could be addressed during the regular legislative session in January.
California's legal strategy will likely face hurdles due to the federal judiciary's conservative tilt, solidified during Trump's first presidency. The Supreme Court and lower federal courts now lean more conservative, potentially complicating California's legal challenges.
The state's progressive policies on climate, immigration, and reproductive rights are at the forefront of its defense. In 2022, California enshrined abortion rights in its constitution through Proposition 1. The state also enacted the "Sanctuary State" law in 2017, limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Newsom's proactive approach highlights the stakes for California under another Trump presidency. "The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack, and we won't sit idle," Newsom declared. His administration aims to preemptively secure legal protections for policies central to the state's identity.
