Newsom, legislative leaders strike $50M deal to Trump-proof California

By Blake Jones, Lindsey Holden | 01/14/2025 06:09 AM EST

The special session agreement would fund litigation against the incoming White House and award grants to nonprofit legal groups.

The dome is photographed at the California State Capitol.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and state legislative leaders have agreed to set aside $50 million for anticipated court fights against the Trump administration. Juliana Yamada/AP

SACRAMENTO, California — Gov. Gavin Newsom and state legislative leaders have agreed to set aside $50 million to defend California — as well as immigrants facing deportation — in court against the incoming Trump White House, according to two people with knowledge of the negotiations.

The deal, struck through a special legislative session Newsom called to shore up the state’s legal defenses, includes $25 million he sought for state Department of Justice litigation against the federal government. It also contains $25 million state Senate leaders wanted for grants to nonprofit legal groups and centers that support immigrants who are at risk of deportation, detention and wage theft.

The deal leaves out $10 million the Senate wanted for counties and cities to defend themselves in court as well as an additional $500,000 the Assembly sought for the DOJ’s initial case preparation.

Advertisement

Amendments to special session bills that emerged on Friday reflect the agreement, according to the people with knowledge, who were granted anonymity to discuss confidential conversations. A.B.X. 1-1, S.B.X. 1-1, A.B.X. 1-2 and S.B.X. 1-2 are now co-authored by both Assembly Budget Committee Chair Jesse Gabriel and Senate Budget Chair Scott Wiener, and they both include the $50 million package.

GET FULL ACCESS