California Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled a proposal on Monday for up to $25 million in additional funding aimed at supporting the state’s legal battles against the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. The announcement came on the first day of a special legislative session convened to prepare California for Trump’s second term.
If approved by the California legislature, the funding would be allocated to the California Department of Justice and various state agencies to bolster their legal defenses across several key issues, including reproductive rights, environmental protections, and immigration policies. Governor Newsom emphasized that the new fund would help the state safeguard crucial services that millions of Californians rely on, such as healthcare, disaster relief, and civil rights protections.
In his proposal, Newsom stated that the $25 million litigation fund would help California “defend against unlawful federal actions” and protect its progressive policies from potential encroachments by the Trump administration. “This fund will be critical in defending vital state resources, protecting reproductive health care access, and upholding civil rights,” Newsom said.
The fund would also enable the state to press for federal reimbursement where needed, based on previous successes in legal disputes with the Trump administration. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who has played a key role in the state’s legal strategy, assured that his office would be ready to respond swiftly to any federal moves, including filing motions for restraining orders and injunctions if necessary.
California’s proactive approach to legal challenges under Trump’s first term was substantial. Between 2017 and 2022, the state spent $42 million supporting over 120 lawsuits aimed at blocking Trump administration policies. Many of these cases focused on issues such as environmental regulations, healthcare access, and the protection of immigrant rights.
As part of its ongoing efforts, California’s state assembly has also introduced new bills aimed at ensuring continued access to abortion medications and strengthening the Reproductive Privacy Act, a cornerstone of the state’s reproductive rights framework.
Newsom’s office expects that the special budget legislation, which includes the proposed $25 million fund, will be signed into law before Trump’s inauguration on January 20. The California legislature is currently considering the proposal, and if passed, it will provide the legal resources necessary for the state to continue its resistance to federal actions that it views as harmful to its residents.
“We must remain vigilant and prepared to protect the values and resources that make California a beacon of progress,” Newsom said, highlighting the ongoing need for legal preparedness in an increasingly divided political landscape.
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