Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla of California said Sunday that President-elect Donald Trump has “made no secret that he is ready for California” as Governor Gavin Newsom called a special legislative session this week to prepare for Trump's legal fights. Have called. Upcoming term.
Padilla said on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan”“There are many reasons for concern” for the second Trump administration, “if the first administration is any indicator.”
California Democrat cited reports Trump initially blocked disaster funding for the state during his first term, saying the president-elect tried to keep federal dollars from California families “just because it's a state that voted for him in the presidential election.” Didn't vote for.” on September, Trump threatened If re-elected would freeze federal wildfire aid for California.
Padilla added, “We're trying to protect ourselves from those types of threats.”
California Democrats previously touted the state as a “resistance” state during the Trump administration. And following Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election, Newsom announced that he would call an emergency session of the California state legislature to “protect California's values and fundamental rights in the face of the incoming Trump administration.” In addition to strengthening legal resources, the governor pointed to civil and reproductive rights, climate action, and protections for immigrant families.
On immigration, Padilla said, “We are hearing a lot of criticism from Trump and his allies about the largest deportation campaign in the history of our country.” He said that although “no one disagrees” with focusing on violent criminals, it was “a far cry from indiscriminately deporting millions and millions of people.” Padilla said providing legal assistance for communities affected by Trump's plans is “just the California way.”
“We embrace our diversity,” Padilla said. “Our diversity is what has developed our communities and driven our economy. And that's why we will help families defend against the threats of the Trump administration.”
Meanwhile, as a “sanctuary state”, California state law directs local law enforcement not to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on deportations, which could lead to a confrontation with the Trump administration. Padilla cited California's status as the most populous state in the country with more immigrants than any other state, arguing that the issue was about people being able to come forward to report a crime. As for capacity, he said, “The last thing you want is immigrants who may be witnesses to crimes to be afraid to come forward and share any information they have in the investigation and prosecution of crimes.”
Padilla continued, “Let the federal government do the work of the federal government, but let state and local officials do the work of state and local officials.” “There should be no conflict unless Trump wants it.”
More broadly, Padilla said there is “a lot of good that can be finalized” before President Biden leaves office, from climate-related actions and public health care programs to targeting mental health issues. Pointing to additional flexibility. And the California Democrat noted that there is “a lot of good work to be done” beyond the current administration if the federal government continues to support California.