Trump Chews Out Gavin Newsom
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his return to the White House, tensions are rising with California Governor Gavin Newsom, who recently announced plans to convene a special legislative session next month aimed at “safeguarding” the state’s policies from potential changes under the new administration. Newsom’s move is widely seen as an attempt to shield California from any federal rollbacks on policies related to abortion, LGBTQ rights, environmental regulations, and other progressive priorities.
Trump wasted no time hitting back, accusing Newsom of trying to “Trump-proof” California and prevent the state from benefiting from policies that would “Make California Great Again.” In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized his overwhelming victory in the 2024 election, declaring, “People are being forced to leave due to his & others’ INSANE POLICY DECISIONS.”
Newsom’s special session, set to begin December 2, is meant to prepare the state for what he describes as an “attack” on California’s freedoms by the incoming Trump administration. In a statement, Newsom vowed, “We won’t sit idle” in defending the state’s progressive values. The governor has called for additional funding to support state agencies, including the California Department of Justice, in anticipation of legal battles with the federal government.
California Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher quickly dismissed the special session as a “shameless political stunt.” He accused Newsom of using the session to elevate his national profile, possibly in preparation for a presidential run in 2028. Gallagher argued that the issues Newsom is addressing—such as abortion rights and environmental regulations—could easily wait until the Legislature reconvenes in January, pointing out that the real crisis facing California is skyrocketing crime, homelessness, and the high cost of living.
This feud between Trump and Newsom is hardly new. The two have been engaged in a bitter public rivalry for years. Trump regularly criticizes Newsom, calling him “Newscum” in public comments, while Newsom has framed Trump as a direct threat to California’s progressive values. Despite their public clashes, Newsom has previously admitted that his working relationship with Trump during the president’s first term was more cooperative behind closed doors.
As both men continue to spar, it is clear that the political stakes are high in California, where the governor’s actions may have national implications as he positions himself for the future. Trump, however, remains focused on his mandate from voters and insists that his policies will benefit all Americans—including those in California—if only the state’s leadership would put the needs of its people ahead of partisan politics.
