**California Governor Newsom Calls Special Session to Defend State Policies Against Trump Administration**

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, has called for a special legislative session to be convened later this year to protect the state's progressive policies on climate change, reproductive rights, and immigration. Newsom’s announcement comes a day after Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the recent presidential race.

"California's freedoms are under direct threat, and we will not stand by idle," Newsom declared. He emphasized the state’s readiness to respond to the looming challenges, including legal battles, to ensure the well-being of Californians. Newsom, who is speculated to harbor national political ambitions, urged lawmakers to bolster the attorney general’s office with additional resources to combat federal challenges expected under the Trump administration when they meet in December.

This proactive stance is part of a broader effort by Democratic leaders across several states to safeguard policies threatened by Trump's presidency. For instance, in New York, Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James are planning strategic meetings to devise legal protections for key areas such as reproductive rights and environmental justice.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, a former state attorney general who filed numerous lawsuits against Trump during his first term, indicated that vigilance and readiness are essential as Trump’s potential policies, including Project 2025, unfold. Similarly, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker emphasized the need for preparedness, recalling the previous administration's chaos while asserting that Illinois aims to remain stable and effectively governed.

Republican lawmakers in California, however, dismissed Newsom's move as a political maneuver. James Gallagher, the Republican leader of the state Assembly, criticized the special session as an attempt to garner attention rather than address actual issues.

Following Trump’s electoral victory, Newsom has vowed to work collaboratively with the president-elect while standing firm on defending constitutional rights alongside other states. Trump's frequent criticism of California’s policies and contentious remarks about the state indicate a turbulent relationship likely to persist in the coming years.

As California ramps up preparations, Newsom’s commitment to safeguarding the state's progressive agenda against forthcoming federal policies remains firm, setting the stage for a continued clash of ideologies between the state and the federal government.