The California Assembly, led by Democrats, has approved funding of up to $50 million to defend the state’s progressive policies from challenges by the Trump administration. This allocation includes $25 million for the state Department of Justice to combat legal battles against the federal government and another $25 million for legal groups assisting immigrants facing deportation threats. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas emphasized the need to protect constitutional rights, citing a lack of trust in President Trump’s administration.

While Democrats championed the funding as essential for safeguarding California families’ rights, Republican opposition, led by James Gallagher, criticized the move as a political distraction from more pressing issues like wildfires and the state’s high cost of living. Governor Gavin Newsom, a vocal critic of Trump, called for the special session to pass these proposals due to perceived threats to California’s freedoms under the former president.

The funding approval comes amidst ongoing recovery efforts from destructive wildfires, with Newsom expanding the session to address fire-relief funding. Despite bipartisan support for fire-related initiatives totaling $2.5 billion, Republican lawmakers have voiced concerns over the focus on legal battles against the federal government.

California’s previous legal challenges against the Trump administration, totaling over 120 lawsuits during his first term, underscore the significance of the new funding allocation. Democrats argue that the funding is crucial to assisting immigrant families living in fear due to potential mass deportation plans. The state, with approximately 1.8 million immigrants residing illegally, faces ongoing legal battles primarily centered around immigration and environmental policies.