On Friday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed two new laws setting aside $50 million to bolster California’s defense against potential challenges from the Trump administration. The legislation comes as California braces for renewed legal battles over policies related to immigration, climate change, and other key issues that have been points of contention between the state and the federal government.
The funds will be divided into two parts: $25 million will go to the California Department of Justice to fund efforts in fighting federal legal challenges, while another $25 million will support legal organizations assisting immigrants who may face deportation under the Trump administration’s aggressive policies.
Newsom’s move follows a history of conflict between California and President Donald Trump during his first term. The state filed or joined more than 100 lawsuits against the federal government over a range of issues, including climate regulations, water policy, and immigrant rights. With Trump entering his second term, these tensions are expected to resurface.
Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, a Democrat, strongly criticized the Trump administration’s approach, calling it a direct threat to the Constitution and the rights of Californians. “Californians are being threatened by an out-of-control administration that doesn’t care about the Constitution and thinks there are no limits to its power,” Rivas said in a statement. “That is why we are delivering legislation that will allocate resources to defend Californians from this urgent threat.”
The legislation was signed just one day after Newsom returned from Washington, where he met with President Trump and members of Congress to discuss securing federal disaster aid for the devastating Los Angeles-area wildfires that killed more than two dozen people in January. In response, Newsom signed a $2.5 billion package last month to fund the state’s disaster response efforts, including evacuations, sheltering survivors, and removing hazardous waste. The governor expressed hope that the federal government would reimburse the state for some of these expenses.
However, Newsom’s new legislation has not been without criticism. Republican lawmakers have condemned the $50 million fund, calling it a political maneuver that distracts from more pressing issues, like recovery efforts for fire victims in Southern California. Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones called it a “slush fund” and argued that it did little to address real problems.
Critics have also expressed concern about whether the funds could be used to defend immigrants with serious criminal convictions. While Newsom has assured that the funds are not intended for this purpose, he encouraged lawmakers to pass additional legislation to clarify the issue if needed. “The funding will assist legal groups in safeguarding the civil rights of California’s most vulnerable residents,” Newsom stated.
California’s legal opposition to the Trump administration has been a hallmark of the state’s political landscape. During Trump’s first term, the state spent roughly $42 million on legal battles, with yearly costs ranging from $2 million to nearly $13 million. Newsom’s recent move ensures that California is prepared to continue its fight against federal policies that the state perceives as harmful or unconstitutional.