- The Money Trails
- Posts
- Gavin Newsom is ‘Trump-Proofing’ California: Can It Work?
Gavin Newsom is ‘Trump-Proofing’ California: Can It Work?
Inside California's push to counter Trump policies
Kartik Vyas
December 05, 2024
sponsored by
The Blueprint for a ‘Trump-Proof’ State: Is It Feasible?
As Donald Trump prepares for his second term, California Governor Gavin Newsom is spearheading efforts to "Trump-proof" the state.
A special legislative session is underway to protect progressive policies and laws in the state.
But what does it mean to "Trump-proof" a state? Is this strategy viable within America’s federal structure? Let’s explore!
Is Protesting Immigration In America Hypocritical?
— GEN (@justaskgen)
4:07 PM • Aug 25, 2024
What Does ‘Trump-Proofing’ Mean?
Newsom’s "Trump-proofing" initiative is designed to shield California’s policies from expected federal pushback from the incoming Trump administration:
The term refers to legal and legislative measures ensuring state laws remain enforceable even under federal scrutiny.
Governor Newsom has proposed a $25 million litigation fund to bolster California’s DOJ for potential legal battles.
Legislative safeguards, like constitutional amendments and targeted bills, aim to reinforce critical protections.
Examples include California’s reproductive rights which shields abortion providers from out-of-state legal actions.
This effort is both proactive and symbolic, emphasizing California’s commitment to defending its progressive values.
California is calling an emergency special session to safeguard the fundamental freedoms we all hold dear.
We will continue to stand up for basic American values.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom)
11:09 PM • Nov 9, 2024
California’s Special Legislative Session: A Defensive Push?
Governor Newsom convened a special legislative session on December 2, 2024, to expedite Trump-proofing measures. The session focuses on:
Newsom proposed allocating $25 million towards increasing staff and supporting California DOJ’s legal challenges against the Trump administration.
The session prioritizes safeguarding policies on climate action, immigration, and reproductive rights.
Democratic leaders back this initiative, framing it as essential for defending Californian values.
GOP lawmakers label the session a political stunt, arguing it distracts the state from real issues like crime and homelessness.
The session is expected to conclude by January 2025, aiming to strengthen California’s progressive laws before Trump’s inauguration.
Historical Precedents: California vs. Trump (2017-2021)
During Trump’s first term, California emerged as a leading adversary, filing 122 lawsuits against federal policies:
California reclaimed millions in public safety funds and preserved billions in healthcare and education funding.
The state defended its vehicle emissions standards, protecting ambitious environmental goals.
California’s sanctuary laws withstood federal attempts to impose stricter enforcement measures.
These efforts cost $42 million, a significant financial commitment for such challenges.
The outcomes highlight the high stakes and mixed success of California’s legal resistance to federal overreach.
President-Elect Donald Trump:
“I will be DEMANDING THAT VOTER I.D., AND PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP, ARE A NECESSARY PART AND COMPONENT OF THE VOTING PROCESS!”
— America (@america)
12:41 PM • Nov 9, 2024
What Does a ‘Trump-Proof’ State Look Like?
As the name suggests, a Trump-proof state is all about defending policies from the incoming Trump administration through various measures:
Policies enshrined in state constitutions provide a legal shield.
Dedicated legal funds allow states to challenge federal actions effectively in court.
States like New York and Massachusetts have implemented aggressive climate policies, such as carbon neutrality goals, to remain independent of federal rollbacks.
Democratic governors of states like Illinois and Colorado are forming an alliance ‘Governors Safeguarding Democracy‘ to oppose the Trump administration's policies.
While California is at the forefront, these characteristics highlight a broader playbook for states seeking to safeguard their policies.
The Challenges of Trump-Proofing Within Federalism
Despite proactive measures, Trump-proofing faces inherent challenges due to the U.S. federal structure:
Federal law overrides state law in areas like immigration, complicating efforts to resist federal mandates.
Trump-appointed judges, especially in the Ninth Circuit, could make it harder for states to win legal challenges.
Litigation is expensive, and states must strategically prioritize which battles to fight.
Efforts to Trump-proof may deepen divisions between states, exacerbating political polarization across the country.
These obstacles show the limits of state autonomy in resisting federal authority.
Our Thoughts
California’s Trump-proofing efforts are a bold assertion of state rights in the face of federal authority.
As Trump’s second term unfolds, the nation will watch closely to see whether California’s approach can truly withstand the challenges of federalism — or whether it marks another chapter in America’s growing political divide.
Community:
Do you think states like California can successfully 'Trump-proof' themselves against federal policies? |
📊 Last Week’s Poll: Do you think this ceasefire will lead to lasting peace in the Middle East?
“There will always be tension, I think whether you’re religious or not, the fact of the history through thousands of years due to the religious background and claim of land will be continuously sought after. As well as power and greed will always prevail in our would unfortunately and leaders from other states or countries will likely stir the pot.”
“As an Israeli citizen, I can say for sure that those ceasefire agreements rarely work. They are almost always broken within a year or two, and even if they remain intact for a longer time, it's usually because of some "hash money" or other benefits given by the Israeli Government to keep an illusion of peace.“
News Worthy:
#3 — South Korean president says he will lift martial law after parliament rejects his declaration 🇰🇷
Personal Updates From Gen:
Hey everyone! I use Straight Arrow News to write for this newsletter because I believe what they’re doing is really important.
In a time when media bias and mistrust have made it hard to find the truth, Straight Arrow News helps me remain unbiased by delivering Unbiased, Straight Facts right to my phone.
If you want to cut through the noise and stay fully informed with clear, fact-based news, download the Straight Arrow News app for 100% FREE at https://san.com/gen or tap the banner below!
Watch Our Latest Video:
Our goal with this newsletter is to battle mainstream media bias and give you the facts whilst highlighting news outlets’ bias. Share this with a friend or family member to give them unbiased news stories and research:
Was this forwarded to you? Sign up here.
Want to advertise in Bridging The Bias? Go here.
Need YouTube advice? Ask Gen here.
