On February 4, 2025, California’s Democratic-led Assembly approved legislation allocating up to $50 million to defend the state’s progressive policies from anticipated challenges by the federal government under President Donald Trump’s administration. The bill designates $25 million for the state Department of Justice to engage in legal battles against federal actions and an additional $25 million to support legal organizations assisting immigrants facing potential deportation.
The proposals passed along party lines and are now headed to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for approval. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas emphasized the necessity of the funding, stating, “We do not trust President Donald Trump,” and described the administration as “out of control” and a threat to constitutional rights.
In contrast, Republican leader James Gallagher criticized the plan as a political maneuver that diverts attention from pressing state issues such as wildfires and the high cost of living. He argued that instead of preparing for conflicts with the federal government, the Assembly should focus on making life more affordable for Californians.
Governor Newsom convened a special legislative session in November to address these proposals, citing concerns that California’s freedoms were at risk with President Trump’s return to office. Following recent devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area, the special session’s scope was expanded to include fire-relief funding. A $2.5 billion bipartisan package was subsequently signed into law to support disaster response efforts, including evacuations, sheltering survivors, and hazardous waste removal.
During President Trump’s visit to Los Angeles on January 24 to assess the wildfire damage, Governor Newsom adopted a unifying tone, acknowledging the state’s need for federal assistance in recovery efforts. This comes amid concerns that federal aid could be contingent upon changes in California’s water policies, a notion opposed by Republican members of California’s congressional delegation.
Some Republican lawmakers have labeled the timing of the lawsuit funding as “incredibly tone-deaf,” given the concurrent natural disasters. They argue that the focus should be on wildfire recovery and prevention rather than preemptive legal battles with the federal government.
Historically, during President Trump’s first term, California allocated approximately $6.5 million annually to the Department of Justice for legal defenses against federal actions. Over four years, the state filed more than 120 lawsuits against the Trump administration, primarily targeting immigration and environmental policies, with total expenditures reaching about $42 million.
