By Matt Underwood Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, has been making moves to “Trump-proof” his state, and it’s infuriating the incoming president. Newsom has been working for the past two years to create contingency plans in case the federal government under Trump cuts funding to California. This includes establishing bilateral climate change agreements with other countries, recruiting states to continue the Clean Air Act, and striking deals with automakers to move towards electric vehicles regardless of federal policy.
Newsom has also taken steps to protect California’s residents from a potential federal abortion ban by stockpiling millions of doses of Mifepristone and Misoprostol. He has bolstered gun control restrictions and created a natural disaster relief fund in case FEMA resources are pulled.
Newsom’s proactive approach has been fueled by concerns over Trump’s unpredictable behavior and his history of punishing blue states. There’s a widespread belief that Trump would slow walk disaster relief to California, particularly in the case of wildfires, which have become increasingly common in recent years.
This has led to a sense of urgency among many Californians, who are increasingly convinced that their state needs to be prepared for a potential federal government that is hostile to their interests.
Newsom’s actions have drawn criticism from some who argue that he’s overreacting to Trump’s rhetoric. They believe that Trump wouldn’t actually cut funding to California or obstruct disaster relief. However, Newsom’s supporters see his actions as a necessary precaution, given Trump’s history of unpredictability and his disdain for blue states.
The debate over Newsom’s “Trump-proofing” strategy highlights the deep political divisions in the United States. While some view it as a sensible response to a potentially hostile federal government, others see it as an unnecessary escalation of the already tense political climate.
It remains to be seen whether Newsom’s efforts will be successful in protecting California from Trump’s potential policies. However, his actions serve as a stark reminder of the growing divide between the states and the federal government, and the challenges that lie ahead for both blue and red states in the years to come.