Newsom calls on state legislature to approve his $25 million budget for filing lawsuits against Trump

By lauraharris // 2024-12-05

Mastodon

Parler

Gab

Copy

Gov. Gavin Newsom has convened the California State Legislature to approve his proposed $25 million budget for filing lawsuits against anticipated changes in the federal government under the incoming second administration of President-elect Donald Trump. Shortly after the results of the federal elections, Newsom, known as a vocal critic of Trump, convened a special legislative session to "Trump proof" the state and safeguard California's progressive policies against potential actions by the incoming Trump administration. State lawmakers swore in more than two dozen new members and elected leaders for the 2025 legislative session. "I just called an emergency special session to help bolster our legal resources and protect our state against any unlawful actions by the incoming Trump administration," Newsom posted on X on Nov. 8. "Whether it be our fundamental civil rights, reproductive freedom, or climate action — we refuse to turn back the clock and allow our values and laws to be attacked." (Related: Georgia appeals court cancels hearing to disqualify Fani Willis from Trump RICO case.) In line with this, Newsom and the state legislature started the session on Dec. 2. Among the first proposals introduced was Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel's (D-Encino) bill to allocate $25 million to the California Department of Justice for legal fees. State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) supplemented this effort with a $10 million provision to support city and county attorneys in defending progressive local policies. Moreover, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced new legislation that would safeguard reproductive rights, including penalties for local governments that attempt to restrict access to abortion. Newsom stressed that his administration would not simply react to Trump's policies, but would go against them. He even stated the past successes in reversing Trump policies at the agency level, such as restoring $1 billion in high-speed rail funding under President Joe Biden. Additionally, he noted his collaboration with the Trump administration during the pandemic while maintaining the legal challenges of California against federal actions.

Trump and Republicans criticize Newsom and his Democratic allies for their legislative special session

Republican lawmakers in California sharply criticized Newsom and his Democratic allies as they convened for the legislative special session. State Sen. Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta) argued that the session could inflame tensions between California and the federal government. "What we're doing today is sending that exact message — that we are going to fight tooth and nail for everything. And you know what? That means they're going to fight us tooth and nail for everything," Seyarto said of the proposed legislation. Trump echoed a similar statement on his Truth Social platform after Newsom announced his plans. He even accused Newsom of doing everything to prevent California from becoming "great again." "Governor Gavin Newscum is trying to KILL our Nation's beautiful California. For the first time ever, more people are leaving than are coming in. He 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,'" said Trump. "But I just overwhelmingly won the Election. People are being forced to leave due to his and other's, INSANE POLICY DECISIONS, like the ridiculously rerouting of MILLIONS OF GALLONS OF WATER A DAY FROM THE NORTH OUT INTO THE PACIFIC OCEAN, rather than using it, free of charge, for the towns, cities and farms dotted all throughout California." "They are making it impossible to build a reasonably priced car, the unchecked and unbalanced homeless catastrophe and the cost of EVERYTHING, in particular 'groceries,' IS OUT OF CONTROL," the president-elect continued. Head over to Trump.news for similar stories. Watch this video about talk show host Ellen DeGeneres leaving the U.S. permanently after Trump's win, something Reid Hoffman is also considering. This video is from the TREASURE OF THE SUN channel on Brighteon.com.

CITIZENS NEWS

Trump and Republicans criticize Newsom and his Democratic allies for their legislative special session

More related stories: