Trump tears into Newsom over special legislative session
President-elect Trump took aim at longtime foe California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) over his decision to call a special legislative session next month to "safeguard" the Golden State's policies ahead of Trump's return to the White House in January.
"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 Truth Social on Friday. "People are being forced to leave due to his, & other’s, INSANE POLICY DECISIONS."
On Thursday, two days after Trump defeated Vice President Harris in the presidential election, Newsom issued a proclamation to call California lawmakers back to Sacramento to take up legislation to safeguards against efforts by the Trump administration to impose new restrictions on the Golden State. The special session is scheduled to start Dec. 2.
"The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack — and we won’t sit idle," the governor said in a statement. "California has faced this challenge before, and we know how to respond."
Newsom has called upon the Legislature to provide additional funding to the California Department of Justice and other state agencies in anticipation of potential litigation.
"We are prepared, and we will do everything necessary to ensure Californians have the support and resources they need to thrive," he said.
He specifically noted potential threats to abortion access, LGBTQ protections, environmental conservation guidelines and federal funding for the state.
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.
"There will not be a single policy implemented in this special session that couldn’t be addressed when the Legislature reconvenes in January," Gallagher said in a statement. "If Newsom is so eager to set up a 2028 presidential run, he’d be much better served by fixing the crime, homelessness and high costs that will doom his campaign.”
The governor's office didn't immediately respond to The Hill's request for comment.
Newsom and Trump have been locked in a bitter public-facing feud, though Newsom has previously said their behind-the-scenes working relationship during Trump's first term was more cordial.
Trump routinely refers to the California governor as "Newscum" in writing and in public comments, and Newsom has regularly characterized Trump as a threat to the state's progressive values.