California Governor Gavin Newsom has summoned state legislators for a special session aimed at safeguarding progressive policies against potential actions by President-elect Donald Trump.
The Democratic governor’s primary focus is securing funds to defend initiatives on climate change, abortion access, and electric vehicle implementation.
This proactive measure marks Newsom’s initial response to the prospect of Trump’s return to power, which could reignite tensions with Newsom, given Trump’s ongoing criticism of California’s crime rates and electric car regulations.
Describing California as a refuge for those seeking abortions from restrictive states, Newsom’s administration has earmarked $20 million for assisting out-of-state patients.
Additionally, California pioneered a mandate for all new vehicles sold by 2035 to be environmentally friendly, granting regulators authority to penalize oil companies for excessive profits.
Reacting to Trump’s victory on Wednesday, Newsom asserted, “The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack – and we won’t sit idle.”
He praised Vice President Kamala Harris for championing “fundamental freedom” and attempting to “build a country that works for everyone.”
“She stood up for working families, decency, and opportunity. Though this is not the outcome we wanted, our fight for freedom and opportunity endures,” the California Democrat added.
.@KamalaHarris set out to fight to defend our fundamental freedoms and build a country that works for everyone. She stood up for working families, decency, and opportunity.
Though this is not the outcome we wanted, our fight for freedom and opportunity endures.
California…
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) November 6, 2024
Although clearly disappointed by the election’s outcome, Newsom expressed a willingness to collaborate with the new administration, but issued a stark warning.
“Let there be no mistake, we intend to stand with states across our nation to defend our Constitution and uphold the rule of law,” he concluded. “Federalism is the cornerstone of our democracy. It’s the United STATES of America.”
On Thursday, Newsom urged the legislature to allocate additional resources to the attorney general’s office for countering federal challenges in an attempt to “Trump-proof” the state.
However, California Republican lawmakers dismissed this move as a “political stunt,” with Assembly leader James Gallagher commenting, “The only ‘problem’ it will solve is Gavin Newsom’s insecurity that not enough people are paying attention to him.”
