Newsom Signs $50 Million to Fight Trump — After Asking for Federal Aid for Fires
SUMMARY
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed two bills allocating $50 million to oppose President Donald Trump's policies, just after returning from Washington, D.C., where he requested federal aid for wildfire recovery. The first bill, SBX1-1, funds legal challenges against federal policies, while SBX1-2 provides legal services to 'vulnerable groups', including illegal aliens. State Senator Scott Wiener authored both bills. Newsom signed them on a Friday afternoon, a timing often used to minimize media attention. In a signing statement, Newsom claimed that funding would not support illegal aliens convicted of violent crimes, though the bill’s text lacks explicit language to that effect. Newsom already faces criticism for seeking federal aid while directing state resources toward political opposition. Some commentators have called for oversight of federal funds to ensure California spends them responsibly amidst ongoing wildfire recovery efforts.
