The chips are stacked against Newsom.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s latest push to “Trump-proof” the state is drawing sharp criticism from Republicans, who argue the move is an irresponsible waste of taxpayer dollars. Newsom, who has long been a vocal opponent of former President Donald Trump, has proposed a new initiative that includes $25 million in additional funding for California’s Justice Department to prepare for potential legal battles with the incoming administration.
Former California Representative Doug Ose blasted Newsom’s plan, calling it a “charade” and a clear waste of money. Speaking on Fox & Friends First, Ose said, “Instead of addressing California’s real problems, like homelessness, crime, and failing schools, Newsom is spending millions on a political stunt to bolster his own presidential ambitions for 2028. It’s an embarrassment.” Ose emphasized that the money could be better spent improving the lives of Californians rather than funding what he sees as Newsom’s personal political agenda.
Newsom’s proposal aims to prepare California for legal conflicts with the federal government, particularly in areas like reproductive rights, environmental policy, and immigration. The Democratic-controlled state legislature is expected to push the bill through in the coming weeks, with the goal of securing the funds before the new administration takes office in January. Newsom has argued that these measures are necessary to protect California’s progressive policies from what he perceives as an incoming administration that seeks to “unwind our progress.”
However, Republicans, like Ose, see this as yet another example of Newsom’s leadership failing the people of California. They point to the state’s ongoing issues with skyrocketing homelessness, rising crime rates, and a struggling education system. Ose further criticized Newsom for his record on promises such as the high-speed rail project, which has ballooned to over $100 billion in costs without completion, and his back-and-forth stance on the death penalty.
“Newsom says one thing and does another,” Ose continued. “He talks big, but he’s a terrible manager who has failed to deliver on his promises. This latest ‘Trump-proofing’ effort is just more of the same—a distraction from the real challenges facing Californians.”
In the end, many Republicans believe that instead of wasting resources on preparing for political battles, Newsom should focus on improving the quality of life for the state’s residents. They argue that California needs leadership that will prioritize tangible results over political posturing.