Effort to 'Trump-proof' California delayed by state's Democrats

 February 1, 2025

California Democrats thought they had a plan to "Trump-proof" any bills that came up with which they didn't agree, but thanks to Republicans, they had to pull the plug on that plan for now.

According to the San Francisco Examiner, the votes to "Trump-proof" the state would involve bills that would have allotted "$25 million for funding lawsuits against the federal government, and $25 million largely for illegal immigrant deportation defense."

The state's Democrats said that the bills would need to be "airtight" and recent amendments by Republicans in Washington, D.C., have reportedly interrupted that process.

The crux of the fight to "Trump-proof" anything turns on Trump's bold and aggressive deportation policies.

"The actions by Republicans in Washington this week jeopardize the programs and services Californians rely on most, from health care to school funding,” said a spokesperson for the Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Salinas, in a written statement.

He added, "Our residents are fearful, confused, and worried. In the Assembly, we are going to look closely at the special session legal defense bills to ensure they are airtight and protect all Californians."

The outlet noted:

According to KCRA, California Gov. Gavin Newsom is now pushing that the funding be modified to exclude deportation defense of criminals after Newsom’s Department of Finance said in a hearing earlier this week that the funds could be used in that manner.

Instead of fixing their states with sound policies, like cracking down on the flow of illegal immigrants, which Trump aims to do, California Democrats want to build a robust "deportation defense" fund.

"If it’s legal assistance, legal advice, legal support, that’s just the California way," Sen. Alex Padilla said. "We embrace our diversity. Our diversity has made our communities thrive and our economy thrive," he added.

Of course, it's not about "embracing diversity." It's about embracing lawbreakers just like the state does for American criminals.

Regardless, Republicans cheered the delayed vote on the "Trump-proofing" bill.

"Shutting down today’s vote is a big victory for Republicans, but Assembly Democrats need to end this farce of a special session for good," Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher said.

He added, "Assembly Democrats should stop protecting their boss’s presidential ambitions and start protecting Californians from wildfire, crime and inflation."