Newsom Travels to Washington to Protect California Against Trump Policies

The governor’s main concerns involve zero-emissions and disaster relief.

To shield California from potential significant policy changes under the incoming Trump administration, Gov. Gavin Newsom traveled to Washington this week to talk about zero-emissions policy and disaster relief with Biden administration officials.

Newsom also had discussions with the California Democratic congressional delegation.

Seeking federal approval for his state’s climate regulations, Newsom worries about potential threats under President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming administration. Additionally, he is requesting a $5.2 billion reimbursement for emergency COVID-19 funding and upgrades to the state’s Medicaid program.

Newsom’s spokesperson, Izzy Gardon, emphasized in a statement to NTD that the Governor is pushing for key priorities to benefit the health and well-being of all Californians, building on progress made since President Biden took office.

Newsom is working swiftly before Democrats lose control of the executive branch after Jan. 20. He left for the nation’s capital on Monday and plans to return to Sacramento on Wednesday.

In response to Trump’s recent victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, Newsom called for an emergency special session of the California state legislature, set to begin on Dec. 2, as noted on his X account, aiming to protect core freedoms.

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California Assemblyman James Gallagher, the Republican Minority Leader in the state’s lower house, expressed disapproval of Newsom’s trip to Washington, suggesting that the governor should focus on bettering the state instead of seeking assistance from what he sees as an unsuccessful federal administration.

“It would be more beneficial if Newsom concentrated on enhancing the quality of life for Californians rather than sticking to failed policies that led to Harris losing the election,” Gallagher conveyed to NTD News via text message.

Reflecting on Newsom’s reaction to his election triumph, Trump posted on Truth Social on Nov. 8 that the governor was hindering the potential for progress to “Make California Great Again.”

Although Harris defeated Trump in California, the former President garnered 38 percent of the vote this time around, marking his highest percentage in the state across three presidential elections.

Harris, who will exit public office for the first time in years in January, is a potential contender to take over from Newsom, who is term-limited and unable to seek reelection in the 2026 gubernatorial race. Previously California’s attorney general and junior U.S. Senator, Harris was Biden’s running mate in 2020.

If Harris decides to run, it wouldn’t be unprecedented for a former vice president to campaign for California governor after a failed presidential bid.

Former Vice President Richard Nixon lost the 1962 California gubernatorial race just two years after his defeat by John F. Kennedy in the 1960 presidential election. Nixon orchestrated a remarkable political comeback by winning the presidency in 1968 and securing reelection in 1972 with a victory in 49 out of 50 states.

However, Nixon resigned before completing his second term following revelations of illegal activities related to the notorious Watergate break-in and subsequent cover-up by his administration.