Governors from blue states are already rallying to protect their policies and citizens from Donald Trump’s federal actions as he assumes leadership again.
Democrats are dusting off tactics they used during Trump’s first term to counter his moves.
New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul has launched the “Empire State Freedom Initiative” to tackle potential policy threats under Trump’s administration.
In collaboration with New York’s Democratic Attorney General Letitia James, who has lead several notable cases against Trump, aims to address federal legal challenges on issues like reproductive rights, immigration, civil liberties, gun legislation, climate action, and environmental justice, according to their announcement.
Hochul declared, “I’m committed to working with anyone on policies that make our state stronger, safer and more livable — but my administration will also be prepared to protect New Yorkers’ fundamental freedoms from any potential threats.”
She mentioned that her team had flagged likely “vulnerabilities” inspired by Trump’s policies and is preparing legislation to counter federal moves.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a special legislative session to “safeguard California values” in light of Trump’s incoming administration.
In a statement, he noted the session’s focus on strengthening legal resources to safeguard civil rights, reproductive freedoms, climate initiatives, and immigrant families.
Newsom highlighted fast-tracking measures to guard California and its values from federal threats to LGBTQ and women’s rights.
The session will also provide more resources to the state’s Justice Department to pursue legal action against any unlawful acts by the Trump administration.
“The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack — and we won’t sit idle. California has faced this challenge before, and we know how to respond,” Newsom said, asserting that the state is ready to act decisively. His spokesperson mentioned efforts to “Trump-proof” California laws.
Trump retorted on Truth Social, mocking Newsom as “Governor Gavin Newscum” and alleging Newsom’s “Trump-Proof” agenda hinders efforts to “Make California Great Again.”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker echoed Newsom’s sentiments, warning, “To anyone who intends to come, take away the freedom and opportunity and dignity of Illinoisans, I would remind you that a happy warrior is still a warrior.”
He declared, ““You come for my people, you come through me,” while describing Illinois as a refuge for those deprived of rights elsewhere, including asylum seekers and those needing reproductive or gender-affirming care.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey stated on MSNBC that she would use all available resources to “protect our residents” and uphold democracy and the rule of law.
She referenced her track record of challenging Trump’s policies as the state’s attorney general and assured the use of executive powers and state legislation to oppose Trump’s actions.
In response to the Democratic governors’ strategies, Trump’s spokesperson Karoline Leavitt shot back, “The American people re-elected President Trump by a resounding margin giving him a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail. He will deliver.”
The governors of those states should listen to the people who voted for Trump, instead of their egotistical self indulgence.
Exactly what I was thinking. Their people voted for President Trump. Unless they are talking about their ‘other people’ the illegal aliens being aided and abetted by unlawful laws. There is no safeguard in sanctuary states or cities because they are breaking Federal laws. In the meantime, they had better hope they don’t have an election coming up. Other idea, maybe listen to your voters.
Should’t they work on uniting America??