Staff Reports
Gavin Newsom, the flamboyant Governor of California, is embarking on a trip to Washington, D.C., in a desperate attempt to salvage his progressive ambitions after a resounding electoral defeat for the Democratic Party. Leaning into a typical leftist playbook, Newsom is maneuvering to persuade the Biden administration to protect California’s liberal policies before the expected onslaught from President-elect Trump.
While the new administration gears up, Newsom’s agenda in the capital includes seeking a hefty $5.2 billion reimbursement for COVID-19 emergency spending, along with updates to California’s Medicaid program and a few other priorities that scream “big government spending.” This national pilgrimage shows just how high the stakes are for Newsom, who knows that his radical policies face an uncertain future under a Trump-led government.
Gavin Newsom Heads to DC on Pre-Trump Begging Trip https://t.co/mClxQlTycy
— Dr. Kenneth Warner (@wrestlerkw7) November 13, 2024
The meeting will also cover topics like zero-emission vehicles and disaster relief. Notably, the Trump administration yanked California’s ability to dictate its own tailpipe emissions standards back in 2019, a move that was subsequently reversed by Biden. It appears Newsom is hoping to cling to this authority for dear life as he prepares for a battle against federal executive power that will only intensify with Trump taking the helm once again.
Newsom’s frantic trip follows a self-convened special session of California lawmakers aimed solely at plotting their resistance to President Trump’s policies, particularly those concerning abortion, illegal immigration, and climate-related measures. With California boasting the highest numbers of illegal immigrants in the nation and being widely known as a sanctuary state, Newsom’s future is sure to clash with the incoming administration, especially with a new border czar likely taking a hard stance on immigration issues.
Energy policy is another battleground where the two leaders will likely clash. With California’s recent punitive gas tax hikes and ongoing push for subsidized green initiatives, Newsom may find his agenda at odds with Trump’s approach to energy in general. As Trump frames it, the cost of living crisis in California, exacerbated by decisions championed by Newsom, is driving residents out of the state in droves.
As Newsom prepares for his high stakes meeting, the ongoing exodus of Californians to Texas and Florida serves as a stark reminder that the clock is ticking for his leftist policies. If Newsom is unable to comprehend the consequences of the recent election results, one has to wonder about his qualifications to govern. That is, of course, if they didn’t already have their suspicions.
