California Assembly Approves $50M to Defend Immigrants and State Policies Against Trump
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California State Assembly has approved up to $50 million in funding to protect the state’s progressive policies from legal challenges by the Trump administration.
The bill, which now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature, allocates $25 million to the state’s Department of Justice to fight federal lawsuits and another $25 million to provide legal defense for immigrants facing deportation.
A Divided Response
The funding was approved along party lines, with Democrats arguing that California must defend itself against potential federal overreach. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas justified the move, saying, “We do not trust President Donald Trump. His administration is out of control and a threat to constitutional rights.”
However, Republicans strongly opposed the measure, calling it a distraction from more pressing state issues such as wildfires and the rising cost of living. Republican leader James Gallagher criticized the funding, stating, “Rather than getting ready for a fight with Trump, we could be talking about how to make life more affordable.”
California’s History of Legal Battles with Trump
During Trump’s first term, California sued his administration more than 120 times, mostly over immigration and environmental policies. The state spent about $42 million on legal battles, with annual costs ranging from $2 million to $13 million.
Now, with Trump back in office, Newsom and state Democrats argue that California must prepare for another round of lawsuits. Democratic Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur defended the funding, saying it ensures “our government is looking out for the rights of California families.”
Wildfires and Political Backlash
The funding debate intensified after destructive wildfires broke out near Los Angeles in January. Governor Newsom expanded the special legislative session—originally called to pass the legal defense bill—to also address fire relief efforts.
The fire-relief package received bipartisan support and $2.5 billion was approved for evacuations, sheltering survivors, and rebuilding efforts. However, Republicans continued to argue that fighting Trump should not be the state’s priority.
Assemblymember Bill Essayli called the legal defense bill “tone-deaf”, saying, “We’re not only dealing with wildfires but also mudslides. We should be focused on disaster relief and prevention.”
What’s Next?
With 1.8 million undocumented immigrants living in California (according to Pew Research Center estimates), Democrats argue that defending immigrant rights is just as important as disaster response.
Governor Newsom, a longtime Trump critic, has not yet signed the bill but has previously stated that California will not stand by while Trump threatens the state’s values.
The final decision now rests with Newsom, who must balance political resistance, disaster recovery, and legal battles against the federal government in his next steps.
