What another Trump presidency means for California
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Former president Trump speaks during an election night event on Nov. 6 West Palm Beach, Florida. Photo: Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
California is preparing to be the first line of defense under a second term with President-elect Trump.
Why it matters: The state went toe to toe with Trump during his first time in office, often using the courts and executive powers to tackle issues like the environment, reproductive rights and gun control.
- It sued the federal government over Trump's past rules and regulatory actions more than 100 times, according to Cal Matters.
Driving the news: State and local officials have in recent months bolstered efforts to "future-proof" its climate policies, strengthen protections for reproductive care and fortify LGBTQ rights in anticipation of a Trump victory.
- The president-elect has vowed to "drill, baby, drill" on day one, erode federal climate research and roll back emissions-limiting regulations. His campaign confirmed to Politico that California's EV programs would also be targeted.
- He continues to voice intent to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, which 1.7 million Californians enrolled in this year, while staying mum on the plan he's been promising since the 2016 election.
- His campaign frequently highlighted his pledge to carry out "the largest domestic deportation operation in American history" and implement "ideological screening on all immigrants."
- He also vowed to ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors nationwide and "defund any school pushing critical race theory."
What they're saying: "If he comes into office and ... violates the law, as he has said he would, as Project 2025 says he will, then we are ready," California attorney general Rob Bonta told Politico, referring to a playbook for the next GOP presidency created by the Heritage Foundation and dozens of former Trump administration officials.
- "We have gone down to the detail of what court do we file in," Bonta noted.
- California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas) also doubled down on the state's preparedness to defend its immigrant population in an interview with the political news outlet.
- "To be clear: California will fight to protect our democracy, our freedoms [and] the basic dignity of all people," state Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) wrote on X. "California won't roll over for fascism."
Between the lines: Because Trump has flip-flopped on issues like abortion and contraception, it's hard to predict the exact policies he'll craft in office.
- Trump himself has distanced himself from Project 2025, but many of its ideas are viable under his administration, which Democrats warn could severely damage the federal government.
The intrigue: Gov. Gavin Newsom is not running for reelection in 2026, when he'll hit his term limit. The race is expected to be a crowded one — whoever wins will play a key role in shaping California's response to Trump.
What's next: Inauguration weekend is Jan. 18-20, 2025.