How Gov. Gavin Newsom is ‘Trump-proofing’ his state

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Democratic leaders in blue states are gearing up to push back against controversial elements of President-elect Trump’s proposed agenda. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom has called a special legislative session to “Trump-proof” the state and has lobbied President Biden for funding ahead of the January inauguration.

Watch the video above as Straight Arrow News contributor Adrienne Lawrence examines Gov. Newsom’s progressive strategies to shield her home state from Trump’s “overreaching” policies.

The following is an excerpt from the above video:

Now with Donald Trump heading back to the White House, it’s fair to say that much of America is bracing for impact, but some are doing even more. Namely, one Gavin Newsom. Once it became evident that Trump took the win, California’s governor took swift action, calling for a legislative special session to help protect the state’s policies ahead of the impending administration, and specifically, it’s the policies on climate change, immigration policy and even reproductive rights.

Newsom’s actions to protect California from Trump’s Project 2025 agenda are not just political posturing. They’re wise and statistically supported decisions that confirm how critical this leadership style is. More governors who wish to protect their constituents should be making moves like Newsom is right now.

Let’s look at the facts. First, California has a long, long history of being a leader in progressive policies, especially on issues like climate change, healthcare and immigration. Under Trump’s first administration, California’s efforts to lead in these areas were consistently challenged and undermined. For instance, in 2019 Trump revoked California’s authority to set auto emission rules that were stricter than the federal rules, even though California standards were proven to be extraordinarily successful. In fact, according to the California Legislative Analyst Office, California had reduced carbon emissions by 13% between 2004 and 2017; the national average during that time increased by 1% — the numbers do not lie. Tailpipe pollution is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. In California, maintaining a strict policy is a form of action. Those standards were critical to reducing harm to the climate, yet Trump sought to roll them on back. Why? So he could benefit big companies by taking action.

Now Newsom is helping California maintain the forward momentum it has built on climate leadership. Also, the California governor is wisely looking to shore up immigration protections, given Trump’s promise to deport undocumented individuals and even to try to boot out denaturalized citizens.