As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his return to the White House in January, he has ramped up his criticism of California Governor Gavin Newsom, particularly in response to Newsom’s announcement of a special legislative session. Newsom, a staunch Democrat, has called lawmakers back to Sacramento in December to safeguard the state’s liberal policies against potential changes the Trump administration may pursue. Trump, however, fired back with his usual blunt rhetoric on Truth Social, accusing Newsom of trying to “Trump-proof” California’s policies.
Trump pointed out that Newsom’s actions were an attempt to prevent the state from making real progress, writing, “He’s using the term ‘Trump-Proof’ as a way to stop the incredible work we can do to ‘Make California Great Again.’ I just overwhelmingly won the election. People are being forced to leave the state because of his, and others’, INSANE POLICY DECISIONS.”
The special session, scheduled to begin on December 2, comes just days after Trump’s decisive victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential race. Newsom has framed the session as a necessary move to protect California from what he claims are potential threats to abortion rights, LGBTQ protections, environmental regulations, and federal funding under a Trump administration. “The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack,” Newsom stated, insisting that the state must act to preserve its progressive values.
However, not everyone is buying Newsom’s rhetoric. California Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher dismissed the special session as nothing more than a “shameless political stunt.” Gallagher suggested that Newsom, perhaps eyeing a presidential run in 2028, was more focused on grandstanding than solving the real problems facing California. “Instead of wasting time with this session, Newsom should be focused on tackling the crime, homelessness, and soaring costs that are devastating Californians,” Gallagher said.
Trump and Newsom have long been at odds, with the governor often criticizing Trump’s leadership while Trump continues to mock Newsom, even referring to him publicly as “Newscum.” Despite their personal animus, Newsom has previously acknowledged that their working relationship during Trump’s first term was more cooperative than their public feuding suggests.
With California’s future policies at stake and Trump once again preparing to challenge the left’s agenda, this clash between Newsom and Trump is bound to escalate, offering a preview of the political battles that lie ahead.