California wants to set aside $25M to prepare for legal fight against Trump
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Gov. Gavin Newsom attends the CNN presidential debate between President Joe Biden and then-candidate Donald Trump. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
California lawmakers are gearing up for a legal battle against the incoming Trump administration by proposing to allocate $25 million to help the state protect its progressive laws that could be challenged.
Why it matters: California often leads the nation in setting progressive policies on immigration, reproductive rights, climate, and health care, which could yet again be at the center of a costly legal fight between the state's Democrats and President-elect Trump.
State of play: Gov. Gavin Newsom, a fierce Trump critic, called for the special session just days after Trump was reelected. Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, a Democrat from Los Angeles, introduced the legislation requested by Newsom.
- The money would help support the Department of Justice and other state agencies to defend against federal "litigation or enforcement action," according to Newsom's proclamation.
Yes, but: California is facing political and fiscal obstacles, including a state budget deficit and growing voter frustration over progressive policies.
Catch up quick: State Attorney General Rob Bonta has been preparing briefs and written arguments to challenge a potential national abortion ban, Trump's mass deportation plans, potential rollbacks to net-zero carbon initiatives, voter ID requirements, and restrictions on transgender rights.
What they're saying: In a statement Monday, Newsom said the state will work with the incoming administration, "but when there is overreach, when lives are threatened, when rights and freedoms are targeted, we will take action."
- State Sen. Scott Wiener: "This special session is about sticking up for Californians and for California values; it is about ensuring that the president of the United States and his administration actually follow the law."
- "If LGBTQ people come under attack, if hardworking immigrants are targeted, if women's reproductive freedom is threatened, we will fight back with everything we have," said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas.
The other side: In a post on Truth Social, Trump made clear he will retaliate against California's combative efforts, calling the governor "Newscum" and accusing him of "trying to kill our nation's beautiful California."
- "There's no reason why we should allow a blank check to go out to the [Department of Justice] and other agencies to be able to sue the Trump administration," argued Republican Assemblymember Shannon Grove.
Context: During Trump's first term, California sued the federal government more than 120 times over these issues and others, including gun control, voting rights, consumer protections, and education.
- The state won cases that protected undocumented migrants who entered the U.S. as children, maintained stricter clean-air regulations, defended the Affordable Care Act and prevented Trump from cutting off funding to sanctuary cities.
The intrigue: Voters will elect a new governor in 2026, when Newsom terms out of office. Some speculate he is thrusting himself into the national spotlight to raise his profile ahead of a potential presidential run in 2028.
Side note: State legislators also swore in dozens of new elected members for the 2025 legislative session.
- Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones expressed optimism that California lawmakers can "work together across party lines" and advised his colleagues to "not get upset about what's happening in Washington, D.C."
What's next: The governor is expected to sign the finalized legislation before Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20.
Go deeper: Democratic governors plot Trump resistance strategies