Democratic states are arming themselves against Trump's presidency

Governors and attorneys general in several Democratic-dominated states are preparing for a Trump presidency. Progressive laws should be “Trump-proof.”

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California Governor Gavin Newsom has called the California Legislature into a special session in December 2024 in light of the impending second term of Donald Trump. In his statement, Newsom emphasized that the values ​​and freedoms that California upholds – especially on climate change, immigration and reproductive rights – are facing serious threats from the new Trump administration. “The freedoms we cherish in California are under attack, and we will not stand idly by,” the Democratic governor said.

California as a Pioneer

Newsom called on California lawmakers to significantly increase funding for the attorney general's office so the state can pursue legal action against Trump's policies. California has filed several lawsuits during Trump's first term to defend environmental regulations, oppose construction of a wall on the border with Mexico and protect immigrants' rights. Newsom emphasized that this is not the first time the state has faced this challenge – California knows how to deal with Trump.

Gavin Newsom with Donald Trump during California wildfires in 2018.Image: trapezoid

“We will do whatever is necessary to ensure Californians have the support and resources they need to thrive,” Newsom continued. California has fought the Trump administration in the past, such as through lawsuits to uphold DACA policies. Under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, immigrants are protected from deportation if they entered the U.S. illegally as children and meet certain other criteria, such as having a clean criminal record.

Target: 'Trump-proof' laws

A central focus of California's special session is making the West Coast state's laws “Trump-proof.” In particular, topics such as abortion rights and regulation of environmentally friendly vehicles have taken center stage. During his first term, Trump repeatedly questioned California’s environmental protection regulations and threatened to cut federal funding for fighting wildfires if the state did not change its policies.

California, which has a Democratic majority, has positioned itself as a stronghold for resistance to Trump's policies. Newsom himself has been considered a potential presidential candidate in the past after Joe Biden dropped out of the race for the White House.

Governors and attorneys general from other Democratic-governed states in the United States also issued similar statements. In New York, the governor and attorney general issued a joint statement. Now that Trump is in office, they are strengthening joint partnerships and preparing for possible regulatory threats from Washington on reproductive freedoms, gun safety laws and other important issues, the report said.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey also said: “We must use every tool at our disposal to protect our citizens, residents and state, and, of course, uphold the fundamental principles of democracy and the rule of law.”

The Illinois governor also announced that he will defend citizens' liberties from any attacks by the Trump administration. Governor JB Pritzker said: “To all those who seek to take away the freedoms, opportunities and dignity of Illinois citizens, I say this: a happy warrior is still a warrior. If you are going to attack my people , you must get through me first.”

In addition to the US presidential election, Washington state on the west coast of the United States also held elections for a new governor and a new attorney general last week. Both elections were won by Democratic candidates. During a joint press conference, the two honorees spoke about Donald Trump. The focus is mainly on the much discussed “Project 2025”. The new prosecutor announced that he will do everything he can to protect the fundamental rights of Washington residents.