A delegation of blue state governors is already preparing a series of political and legal steps to protect their state’s policies and residents from federal action. The new administration of Donald Trump.
Plans from Democratic governors across the country, including several potential 2028 presidential contenders, offer both a repeat of how liberal state leaders pushed back against Trump in his first term and a picture of what the opposition is. the left will look like this time.
Governor Gavin Newsom in California announced The legislature will call a special session Thursday, saying it intends to “protect California values and fundamental rights in the face of the incoming Trump administration.”
In a news release, he said the session will focus on “strengthening California’s legal resources to protect civil rights, reproductive freedom, climate action and immigrant families.”
Newsom said the session, which begins Dec. 2, will take “swift action” to “best protect California and its values from attacks” on LGBTQ rights and women’s rights. He also said he would “provide additional resources” to the state Department of Justice and other agencies to “conduct robust affirmative action” against potential future wrongdoing by the Trump administration, as well as defend against any federal lawsuits by the administration. given.
He added that the session would be “the first of several actions” by his administration and the Legislature to begin “strengthening California’s defenses against an incoming federal administration that threatens the state on several fronts.”
“The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack and we will not sit idly by. California has faced this challenge before, and we know how to respond,” Newsom said in a statement. “We are ready and will do whatever it takes to ensure Californians have the support and resources they need to thrive.”
Newsom’s office he said The governor tried to “Trump-proof” the state’s laws, the Associated Press reported.
Trump responded to Newsom at length Write on Truth Social On Friday, he called him “Gov. Gavin Newscum” and said he’s using the phrase “Trump-proof” to stop all the GREAT things that can be done to “Make California Great Again.”
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who considers Newsom one of the Democrats in the 2028 mix, echoed many of the same themes. during the press conference this week, though his administration has yet to propose a similar legislative plan for his state.
“I remind anyone who intends to come and take away the freedom, opportunity and dignity of Illinoisans that a happy warrior is still a warrior,” he said. “You come for my people, you come through me.”
Pritzker, nonprofit group Think Big America spent millions of dollars Abortion-rights ballot measures in four states called “sanctuary for those whose rights are denied elsewhere,” including those seeking political asylum, reproductive health, or persecution based on their sexual orientation or gender, including Illinois.
He gave a nod to policies his administration has passed, including codifying abortion rights and a law requiring gender-affirming care by health insurers in Illinois.
So does New York Governor Cathy Hochul This week it announced an effort dubbed the “Empire State Freedom Initiative” – he said it was designed to address “policy and regulatory” threats that could arise during the Trump administration.
The effort, along with New York’s Democratic Attorney General Letitia James’ office, will address federal legal “threats” to reproductive freedom, immigration issues, civil rights, gun safety, climate change, environmental justice and other issues. in a joint announcement this week.
“I am committed to working with everyone to make our state stronger, safer and more livable — but my administration will also stand ready to protect New Yorkers’ fundamental freedoms from any potential threats,” Hochul said. said in a statement on Wednesday.
He said in a statement that officials leading the effort in the state have already prepared a preliminary analysis of “likely” legal, regulatory and financial “weaknesses” based on comments and policy proposals from Trump and his team, and have begun drafting legislation and regulations. and funds to oppose such federal actions.
In addition, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey said on MSNBC on Wednesday he said he would use “every tool in his toolbox” to “protect our residents” and “hold the line on democracy and the rule of law.”
Healey, who has repeatedly challenged his administration on immigration policies during Trump’s first term as state attorney general, said he would use executive and regulatory powers and use statewide legislation to fight various Trump policies.
They specifically asked about Trump’s implementation plan mass deportation of undocumented immigrantsHealey said he would “absolutely” not allow state police to assist in such an effort.
A Trump spokesman did not immediately respond to questions about how Democratic governors were reacting to his return to the White House.
Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, another possible 2028 candidate, pointed to the union when asked if similar efforts were underway in the state, citing a statement he issued Thursday in response to Trump’s victory.
“Now that this election is over, it’s time to govern — to work together, to compromise, and to get things done,” Shapiro said. “I believe there is more that unites us than divides us, and we must work together to continue to get things done for Pennsylvania.
Unlike in California, New York and Massachusetts, where Democrats hold a triumvirate of state government, the Legislature in battleground Pennsylvania is divided, complicating plans to oppose Trump. Moreover, Trump led the state only at the presidential level.
“Let me be clear: I will never back down from defending the freedoms I was elected to protect.” I will ensure that we continue William Penn’s legacy by defending our democracy, defending our fundamental rights, and building a warm and welcoming Union for all,” Shapiro added.
In the state of New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy promised to push back against Trump if necessary, and to look for areas of compromise.
“If it goes against our values, we will fight to the death,” Murphy said he said At a press conference on Wednesday, he will address topics such as immigration and reproductive rights.
“If there is an opportunity to find a common language, we, like everyone else, will use it quickly,” he added.