California Governor Newsom traveled to Washington, D.C. this week to discuss zero-emission policies and disaster relief with officials from the Biden administration in anticipation of significant policy changes that may come with Trump’s presidency.
During his visit, Newsom also met with the California Democratic congressional delegation.
The governor is seeking federal approval for California’s climate regulations as he is concerned about the potential threats to these regulations during Trump’s second term. Additionally, Newsom aims to secure $5.2 billion in COVID-19 emergency funds reimbursement and updates to the state’s healthcare assistance programs.
Newsom is moving swiftly to complete these actions before Democrats no longer control the executive branch on January 20th.
Following Trump’s victory last week, Newsom called for an emergency special session of the California legislature to convene on December 2nd, stating on his X account that this measure is intended to “protect the fundamental freedoms cherished by all of us.”
Newsom is determined to position California as a liberal representative opposing the conservative policies of the Trump administration. He strives to uphold the progress made by California Democrats in the areas of climate change, abortion rights, and LGBTQ-related protection policies. During Trump’s first term, California launched hundreds of lawsuits against his administration.
James Gallagher, the Republican Minority Leader in the California House of Representatives, criticized Newsom’s trip to Washington, D.C., stating that he believes the governor should focus on improving the state’s internal affairs.
In a text message to NTD, Gallagher said, “It would be great if Newsom could focus on improving the lives of Californians rather than clinging to failed policies that led to the recall election of Governor Gavin Newsom.”
Reacting to Newsom’s victory, Trump commented on Truth Social on the 8th, saying that the California governor is “blocking all the great things that could ‘make California great again.'”
Despite losing against Caitlyn Jenner in California, Trump garnered 38% of the vote in the state during this year’s election, marking his highest percentage of votes in California across three presidential elections.
Due to term limits, Newsom will not be able to run for reelection as governor in 2026.