California governor calls special session to counter Trump

FILE PHOTO (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

LOS ANGELES – Following this week’s presidential election of Donald Trump, Gov. Gavin Newsom Thursday summoned state legislators to attend a special session in December and “safeguard California values and fundamental rights,” a move quickly lambasted by some Republican lawmakers as a political stunt.

The session will “focus on bolstering California legal resources to protect civil rights, reproductive freedom, climate action and immigrant families,” according to the governor‘s office, which characterized the session as one in a series of steps planned in light of “an incoming federal administration that has threatened the state on multiple fronts.”

“The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack — and we won’t sit idle,” Newsom said in a statement. “California has faced this challenge before, and we know how to respond. We are prepared to fight in the courts, and we will do everything necessary to ensure Californians have the support and resources they need to thrive.”

Trump has been outspoken about plans to crack down on illegal immigration, even suggesting a mass deportation effort, while also suggesting he would without federal wildfire funding from the state if it resists his policies.

Newsom’s office also suggested a Trump administration could “erode essential freedoms and individual rights, including women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights.”

Senate Majority Leader Brian Jones, R-San Diego, called Newsom’s action a “political stunt” and a “desperate attempt to distract from Democrats’ significant losses in across California on Tuesday.”

“Californians have made it clear: affordability is their top concern,” Jones said in a statement. “Yet, even with the massive deficit he created, Governor Newsom wants to hand his Attorney General a blank check to wage endless battles against the federal government — while our own state is on fire, both literally and metaphorically.”

Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher, R-Chico, also called Newsom’s move a “shameless political stunt.”

“The only `problem’ it will solve is Gavin Newsom’s insecurity that not enough people are paying attention to him,” Gallagher said in a statement.

“There will not be a single policy implemented in this special session that couldn’t be addressed when the Legislature reconvenes in January. If Newsom is so eager to set up a 2028 presidential run, he’d be much better served by fixing the crime, homelessness and high costs that will doom his campaign.”

The special session called by Newsom will begin Dec. 2. (CNS)