Gov. Gavin Newsom is heading to Washington this week to safeguard California programs and funding that could be threatened by President-elect Trump’s second administration.
While in Washington, Newsom will meet with members of California’s congressional delegation and key officials in the Biden-Harris administration.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Newsom aims to:
- Get the Environmental Protection Agency to okay waivers so that the state’s more stringent vehicle emissions standards can take effect.
- Get the Biden administration’s okay to use Medicaid funding to test new or expanded programs for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and have significant behavioral needs.
- Advocate for disaster relief-related funding, including for wildfires.
The move is Newsom’s latest effort to shield California from Trump administration policies. Last week, Newsom called a special session of the Legislature to safeguard against efforts by the Trump administration to impose new restrictions on the Golden State. The special session is scheduled to start on Dec. 2.
Trump expressed his displeasure over Newsom’s announcement on Truth Social.
“He is using the term ‘Trump-Proof’ as a way of stopping all of the GREAT things that can be done to ‘Make California Great Again,’ but I just overwhelmingly won the Election,” Trump wrote on the platform on Friday. “People are being forced to leave due to his, & others, INSANE POLICY DECISIONS.”
Trump wasn’t the only one who disapproved of the special session. California Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher called the special session a “shameless political stunt” and accused Newsom of attempting to bolster his national political profile.
Newsom and Trump have been in a longstanding public feud, though Newsom has previously said their behind-the-scenes working relationship during Trump’s first term was more cordial.
Trump has often referred to the California governor as “Newscum” in writing and public comments, while Newsom has regularly characterized Trump as a threat to the state’s progressive values.
President-elect Trump will be sworn into office on Jan. 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
Gov. Gavin Newsom is heading to Washington this week to safeguard California programs and funding that could be threatened by President-elect Trump’s second administration. While in Washington, Newsom will meet with members of California’s congressional delegation and key officials in the Biden-Harris administration. According to the Los Angeles Times, Newsom aims to: The move is […]
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