Trump takes aim at Newsom for plan to protect California from his policies

• "The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack — and we won't sit idle," Newsom said in a news release Thursday, saying the state "is ready to fight."

Attorney General Rob Bonta and other California Democrats joined Newsom in the release promising to defend their state.

Zoom in: In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump accused the governor of "trying to KILL our Nation's beautiful California," blaming state Democrats for homelessness and the high cost of living in the state.

• The president-elect said Newsom "is using the term 'Trump-Proof' as a way of stopping all of the GREAT things that can be done to "Make California Great Again.'"
• Trump alleged that for the first time, more people are leaving the state than coming in due to Democratic lawmakers' "INSANE POLICY DECISIONS.'"

For the record: California's population increased by 67,000 people, or about 0.17%, last year, according to state data.

Flashback: Trump said during his 2024 campaign that he would withhold fire rescue aid from California if Newsom doesn't back his policies.

• Trump also critiqued the state as a whole, bashing how Newsom has handled crime and immigration.

More from Axios:

• Gov. Newsom calls special session to resist incoming Trump administration
• What another Trump presidency means for California
• California's rightward swing in the 2024 election