Newsom summons California legislature to respond to Trump win: ‘Ready to fight’

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday that he is calling for an emergency special session to strengthen the state’s legal response to potential attacks from the incoming Trump administration. The special session will focus on safeguarding civil rights, reproductive freedom, climate action, and immigrant families, according to a press release from Newsom’s office.

In a statement, Newsom emphasized California’s readiness to fight against any threats to their values and laws. He stated, “California is ready to fight. 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.” This decision comes just a day after Newsom expressed his willingness to work with the incoming president.

The special session is set to convene on Monday, December 2nd, and Newsom is urging the state legislature to allocate additional funds to the California Department of Justice and other state agencies to mount legal challenges against any unlawful federal actions. The funding will support the ability to file litigation and seek injunctive relief promptly.

During former President Trump’s first term, Newsom initiated over 100 lawsuits against the federal government. Democratic state Senate president pro tempore Mike McGuire highlighted the need to invest in legal defense against potential threats from the Trump administration. He stated, “California has come too far and accomplished too much to simply surrender and accept his dystopian vision for America.”

However, Republican state Senate minority leader Brian Jones criticized the special session as a political stunt and a distraction from significant losses suffered by Democrats in the recent elections. He expressed concerns about the state’s affordability issues and questioned the allocation of funds for legal battles against the federal government.

California, known as a sanctuary state for various progressive policies, could potentially be targeted by the Trump administration, especially in areas such as immigration and reproductive rights. Newsom’s proactive approach to Trump-proofing the state aligns with efforts by other Democratic leaders like New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James to prepare for potential retaliation from the incoming administration.

As the political landscape evolves, it remains crucial for state leaders to prioritize the protection of their constituents’ rights and values. Newsom’s decision to call for an emergency special session underscores California’s commitment to defending its progressive policies in the face of potential challenges from the federal government.