Blue state governor leaders are already preparing a series of political and legal actions to protect their policies and residents from federal action under the new administration of President Donald Trump.
The plan by Democratic governors across the country, including several 2028 presidential candidates, echoes how liberal state leaders pushed back against Mr. Trump during his first term and seeks to push back against Mr. Trump in the presidential election. Provide both a snapshot of what it looked like. The left side will now look like this.
In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday that he will convene a special legislative session specifically designed to “defend California’s values and fundamental rights in the face of the incoming Trump administration.”
He said in a news release that the conference will focus on “civil rights, reproductive freedom, climate action, and strengthening California’s legal resources to protect immigrant families.”
Newsom outlined that the session, which opens Dec. 2, will take “swift action” to “best protect California and its values from attacks” on LGBTQ rights and women’s rights. . He is also working with the state Department of Justice and others to “pursue strong affirmative litigation” against potential future wrongdoing by the Trump administration, and to defend against potential federal lawsuits by the Trump administration. It said it would “provide additional resources” to the agency. Submitted.
He said this session will be the “first of several actions” by the administration and Congress to begin “strengthening California’s defenses against the incoming federal administration that threatens our state on many fronts.” He added that it would be.
“The freedoms we cherish in California are under attack. We cannot afford to stand 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 told The Associated Press that the governor is trying to “stop Trump” in the state law.
Trump called Newsom “Governor Gavin Newcomb” in a lengthy post on Truth Social on Friday, saying he was “using the word “against President Trump” as a way to stop all the great things that could happen.” I fought back. It was done to “make California great again.” ”
Donald Trump vowed to take action on a range of issues on his first day in office.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who, like Newsom, is considered a possible Democratic candidate in 2028, echoed many of the same themes at a news conference this week, saying his administration is pushing similar legislation for the state. has not yet presented a blueprint.
“I want to remind those who seek to take away the freedom, opportunity and dignity of Illinoisans that a happy warrior is still a warrior,” he said Thursday. “You came for my people, you came through me.”
Mr. Pritzker, whose nonprofit group Think Big America has spent millions of dollars on abortion rights ballot measures in four states this term, called Illinois “a haven for people who are denied rights elsewhere.” It was called “Tokoro”. This includes people seeking political asylum and reproductive health care. Avoid persecution based on sexual orientation or gender.
He gave a nod to policies enacted by his administration, including codifying abortion rights and legislation requiring health insurance companies in Illinois to cover gender-affirming care.
New York Gov. Cathy Hochul also announced this week an initiative called the Empire State Freedom Initiative, which she said is aimed at addressing potential “policy and regulatory” threats during the Trump administration. said.
The initiative is being conducted in partnership with the office of New York Democratic Attorney General Letitia James and will address federal legislation on issues such as reproductive freedom, immigration, civil rights, gun safety, climate change progress, and environmental justice. They said it would address the “threat” of In this week’s joint announcement.
“While I am committed to working with everyone on policies that make our state stronger, safer, and more livable, my administration will also continue to support the fundamental needs of New Yorkers,” Hochul said in a statement Wednesday. We are also ready to defend freedom from any potential threat.”
He said in a statement that officials leading the state’s efforts have already identified “likely” statutory, regulatory and fiscal vulnerabilities based on comments and policy proposals from President Trump and his team. ” and has begun formulating laws and regulations. and appropriations that would help counter such federal action.
Additionally, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said on MSNBC Wednesday that the state will use “every tool in its toolbox” to “protect our residents” and “protect democracy and the rule of law.”
As state attorney general during President Trump’s first term, Mr. Healey repeatedly challenged the administration on immigration policy, using executive and regulatory powers and using state laws to undermine Mr. Trump’s various policies. He said he would oppose such policies.
Asked specifically about President Trump’s plans to carry out mass deportations of illegal immigrants, Healey said he would “absolutely not allow” state police to support such an effort.
President Trump’s press secretary did not immediately respond to questions about how Democratic governors are reacting to his return to the White House.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, another potential 2028 candidate, responded to a question about whether a similar effort was underway in the state following Trump’s victory. He referred to a statement released Thursday focused on unity.
“Now that this election is over, it’s time to govern. It’s time to work together, compromise and get things done,” Shapiro said in a statement. “I believe there is more that unites us than what divides us, and we must work together to continue to get things done for Pennsylvania.
Unlike deep blue states such as California, New York and Massachusetts, where Democrats enjoy a triumvirate of power across state governments, battleground Pennsylvania has a divided Congress, making plans to counter Trump more difficult. It will be. Moreover, Trump only took charge of the country at the presidential level.
“Let me be clear: I will never back down from standing up for the freedoms we were elected to protect. “We will ensure that we continue William Penn’s legacy by building the Union,” Shapiro added.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has vowed to push back against Trump if necessary, but to seek compromise.
“If it goes against our values, we’re going to fight to the death,” Murphy said at a news conference Wednesday, touching on issues such as immigration and reproductive rights.
“If there is an opportunity for common ground, we will be the first to seize it,” he added.
Republican Donald Trump addressed supporters after winning key battleground states on election night.
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