California Republicans have criticized Governor Gavin Newsom for convening a special legislative session to “Trump-proof” the state’s laws while wildfires devastate Los Angeles.
The special session, which began Thursday, allocated $25 million to the state Department of Justice to fund litigation against the incoming Trump administration. Republican lawmakers, both in Congress and in California’s legislature, condemned Newsom for focusing on opposing President-elect Donald Trump instead of prioritizing wildfire response and assistance for victims.
“It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Newsom is indulging his ideological fetishes at the expense of the people of California – he always has,” said Republican Rep. Tom McClintock. “The surprise is that so many people have been willing to put up with it – at least those who aren’t fleeing the state in record numbers. Perhaps he can bring his lyre to the special session and serenade the legislature as Los Angeles burns.”
The Los Angeles wildfires have destroyed more than 10,000 structures, making them one of the costliest disasters in U.S. history. Newsom has faced widespread criticism from lawmakers and residents for his handling of the crisis. On Friday, he urged President Joe Biden to address misinformation regarding his wildfire response.
Just after President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in November, Newsom called for the special session to safeguard California’s laws. During Trump’s first term, California sued the administration 123 times, averaging one lawsuit every 12 days, according to CalMatters.
Republican lawmakers, including Reps. Vince Fong and Young Kim, denounced Newsom’s timing. “While Southern California deals with disastrous wildfires and residents endure unimaginable loss, it boggles the mind that Governor Newsom is focusing on fighting the Trump-Vance administration,” Fong stated. “This tone-deaf behavior has everyone questioning his priorities.”
Kim added, “Prioritizing political battles over supporting first responders fighting wildfires is another example of Sacramento’s mismatched priorities.”
Senate Republican Leader Jim Jones also criticized the decision, stating, “We’re wasting taxpayer money suing federal taxpayers—who are the same people. This makes no sense.”
Assembly GOP Leader Jim Gallagher echoed these concerns, labeling Newsom’s actions “reckless, dangerous, and wrong.” He suggested that the governor might be using state resources to prepare for a 2028 presidential campaign while neglecting critical services like wildfire prevention.
Shawn Steel, Republican national committeeman for California, argued that Newsom’s mismanagement could harm his presidential aspirations. “Californians are already familiar with his cascade of failures, from illegal immigration to rising costs of living. Infrastructure is an afterthought for him,” Steel said. “Mismanaging California was predictable.”
