California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) issued a bold proclamation on Thursday, calling for a special session of the state Legislature to prepare for what he described as the incoming Trump administration’s “threats” to the state. The special session, set to begin on December 2, will focus on reinforcing California’s legal defenses, protecting civil rights, and strengthening resources to push back against any federal overreach that could undermine the state’s values.
Newsom’s action follows a series of threats made by President-elect Donald Trump, who has repeatedly targeted California in retaliation for its overwhelming support of his political rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, during the presidential campaign. Newsom has warned that California could face a range of punitive measures from the incoming administration, including attacks on reproductive rights, environmental protections, and immigrant services.
“The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack — and we won’t sit idle,” Newsom, widely seen as a prospective Democratic candidate for the White House in 2028, said in a statement.
“California has faced this challenge before, and we know how to respond,” he continued. “We will do everything necessary to ensure Californians have the support and resources they need to thrive.”
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This is not the first time California has faced such threats. Newsom reminded residents of the state’s history of defending its progressive policies against federal interference, citing the combative relationship between California and Trump throughout his first term in office. In particular, the governor pointed to Trump’s retaliatory stance against California after it voted overwhelmingly for Democratic candidates, including Harris, who defeated Trump in the state by a 1.7 million vote margin.
Newsom’s proclamation emphasizes that the special session will consider legislation aimed at ensuring California has the legal resources to protect its values. This includes defending policies on reproductive freedom, climate action, immigrant protections, and more — all areas where Trump has promised to roll back federal protections, particularly against sanctuary cities and environmental regulations.
The proclamation also outlines a strategy to fund the California Department of Justice and other state agencies, enabling them to file lawsuits against any harmful actions by the incoming administration, as well as defending against federal legal challenges.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta reinforced this sentiment, declaring that he would continue to use the full force of his office to fight any efforts that would undermine the rights of California residents.
“We will continue to use the full force of the law, the full authority of my office, to address injustice, to stand up for all people, especially those who have been long overlooked and undervalued,” Bonta said in a press conference Thursday.
He added, “I’m here today to reassure you that in California, progress will prevail, no matter who is in the White House, no matter who controls Congress,” Bonta said. “In California, we will choose calm over chaos, fact over fiction, belonging over blame.”
This move follows a bitter election season, where Trump made repeated public threats against California for its resistance to his policies, calling out the state for its role in opposing his administration’s agenda. Trump and Newsom sparred throughout the campaign, with the President deriding Newsom as “New-scum” and vowing to retaliate against the state’s progressive stance.
Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D) echoed Newsom’s call for defense, stressing that Californians must prepare for the challenges ahead.
“Voters sent a clear message this election, and we need to lean-in and listen. But we also must be prepared to defend California values, no matter the challenges ahead,” Rivas said. “We are already seeing what President Trump is willing to do, and we must respond swiftly and decisively.”
Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D) also underscored the gravity of the situation, reminding Californians that Trump’s first term showed how far he would go to impose his vision on the country.
“California has come too far and accomplished too much to simply surrender to his dystopian vision for America,” McGuire said. “This special session is the first step in protecting the values that make this state great.”
