Newsom Thanks Trump for Federal Funds, Then Funnels $50 Million to Sue Him [WATCH]

California Governor Gavin Newsom met with President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to request federal assistance for wildfire recovery—only to return to California and immediately sign a $50 million legislative package aimed at opposing the president’s policies.

Newsom just signed the “Trump-proofing” bills. This is despite Trump graciously meeting with him in DC and devoting the fourth day of his presidency to personally visiting LA.

Our Governor never ceases to amaze with his lack of decency and disregard for our state.

— Kevin Kiley (@KevinKileyCA) February 8, 2025

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The funding, which Newsom approved upon his return, is split into two allocations: $25 million for the California Department of Justice to challenge Trump administration policies, including environmental regulations and immigration enforcement, and another $25 million to legal aid organizations assisting illegal immigrants facing deportation.

During his visit to Washington, Newsom met with Trump to discuss federal disaster relief for the devastating wildfires that have swept through California, causing widespread destruction.

In a statement following their meeting, Newsom expressed gratitude for the president’s willingness to provide support.

“We’re working across the aisle, as we always have, to ensure survivors have the resources and support they need,” Newsom said.

“Thank you, President Trump, for coming to our communities to see this firsthand and meeting with me today to continue our joint efforts to support people impacted.”

However, just hours after returning to California, Newsom approved the state legislature’s special “Trump-proofing” fund, which directs millions toward legal efforts aimed at resisting Trump’s policies.

Newsom framed the legislation as a necessary measure to protect vulnerable Californians, stating that the bill would “bolster funding for legal services programs that are vital to safeguarding the civil rights of California’s most vulnerable residents, including people with disabilities, youth who are homeless, victims of human trafficking and wage theft, people facing unlawful evictions, immigrants, and more.”

He also clarified that “none of the funding in this bill is intended to be used for immigration-related legal services for noncitizens convicted of serious or violent felonies.”

Despite this assurance, the funding’s primary focus on assisting illegal immigrants and challenging federal policies has drawn criticism.

Gavin Newsom on Friday signed the $50M legislation providing $25M to use on legal battles with the Trump administration and $25M to nonprofit organizations that provide free legal immigration services to illegal aliens.

As usual, Newsom is putting California and America last. pic.twitter.com/HyCyW3e18R

— Paul A. Szypula (@Bubblebathgirl) February 8, 2025

This is not the first time California has used taxpayer dollars to fight Trump’s policies.

During Trump’s first term, Newsom’s administration filed numerous lawsuits against the federal government, particularly on environmental policies, immigration laws, and healthcare regulations.

With this latest funding package, California appears poised to continue legal battles against the Trump administration as his second term unfolds.

The approval of the $50 million allocation comes as California continues to struggle with significant budget deficits.

While Newsom requested federal aid for wildfire recovery, the decision to immediately approve funding to challenge Trump’s administration has raised concerns about the state’s financial priorities.

A live look at Gavin Newsom signing a pair of bills authorizing 50 MILLION taxpayer dollars to fight Trump and legal services for illegal immigrants. pic.twitter.com/zmu25BpFIe

— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) February 8, 2025

With wildfires, homelessness, and rising taxes already straining California’s resources, the state’s commitment to spending millions on lawsuits against the federal government is likely to remain a point of contention.

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