They will fight tooth and nail against justice and it’s sad.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is calling a special legislative session to bring forward a $25 million “Trump-proof” legal defense fund to support the state’s Department of Justice. The fund is intended to shield California’s progressive policies from federal challenges, particularly under a potential second term of President Donald Trump.
Newsom has framed the fund as a proactive measure to protect Californians’ rights, arguing that the state is a cornerstone of freedom and justice in the U.S. He emphasized that California is ready to cooperate with the incoming administration, but also made it clear that the state will not hesitate to take action if it perceives federal overreach. “When rights and freedoms are targeted,” Newsom said, “we will take action.” His comments suggest the fund is a form of preparation, aimed at ensuring California’s policies are protected regardless of who controls the White House.
The proposed fund would be introduced in the legislature, where Democrats hold a majority, and is expected to be made law just ahead of Inauguration Day. Newsom dismissed accusations that the fund was a partisan move, saying, “It’s about pragmatism and preparedness.” He argued that California must act now to avoid being caught off guard if the Trump administration seeks to roll back state-level protections on issues like immigration, abortion, and environmental standards.
During the Trump presidency, California’s Department of Justice filed over 120 lawsuits against federal policies, costing the state millions. These included legal challenges to Trump’s immigration enforcement, environmental regulations, and net neutrality rules. In contrast, the Trump administration filed only a handful of lawsuits against California, including actions over sanctuary city laws and emissions standards.
Republicans, however, are sharply critical of the special session. State Senator Brian Jones, the minority leader in California’s Senate, described Newsom’s move as little more than a political stunt. He accused the governor of trying to distract from his administration’s record on issues like high taxes, the state’s growing budget deficit, and rising crime. “Californians are struggling with affordability, yet Newsom wants to spend millions fighting federal policies while the state’s problems go unresolved,” Jones said.
For many conservatives, Newsom’s proposed legal fund represents the latest example of California’s liberal elite prioritizing partisan battles over the needs of everyday citizens. With major challenges ahead, including a massive budget deficit and growing concerns over homelessness and crime, many argue that the state government’s focus should be on addressing the real issues facing Californians rather than engaging in ongoing political warfare with Washington.