Gov. Newsom discusses visit to White House in bid to protect California policies ahead of Trump transition
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Gov. Gavin Newsom is in Washington, D.C. this week lobbying for protections on California policies before President-elect Donald Trump's Inauguration Day.
Newsom released a short video Tuesday where he talks about his visit, which included a meeting with President Joe Biden.
"So, just left the White House, talked to senior officials, talked to the president about everything we need to do to prepare for this transition," Newsom said.
Governor @GavinNewsom met with @POTUS and senior @WhiteHouse officials to advocate for the approval of pending disaster funding, programs to expand health care access, and initiatives to improve clean air. pic.twitter.com/db9lGT4BFr
— California Governor (@CAgovernor) November 13, 2024
The Governor's Office also released a statement on Newsom's visit so far that said, in part:
"The Governor advocated for the approval of disaster relief funding, programs to expand health care access, and initiatives to improve clean air."
Congressmember John Garamendi (D-Walnut Grove) will meet with Newsom Wednesday as part of the California congressional delegation.
"How quickly do you think we'll see lawsuits filed by Democratic governors and Gavin Newsom," I asked Garamendi.
"January 22, 2025. The day after the inauguration," Garamendi responded.
We also asked Garamendi if Newsom's visit to the nation's capital could be the beginning of a 2028 presidential campaign.
"Oh yeah. The campaign for the next presidential election began the day Trump won this presidential election," Garamendi said.
While President Biden was still the Democratic nominee running for re-election, Newsom repeatedly downplayed talks of him potentially making his bid for the White House.
Republican strategist Tab Berg said the Trump victory shows American voters are not inclined to support Newsom's political views.
"For Newsom to see this as any kind of an opportunity as opposed to a repudiation of him, I believe, is delusional," Berg said.
Newsom is in Washington, D.C. seeking the Biden administration's help for federal protections ahead of the Trump transition. He has also called a legislative special session next month to prepare for litigation against Trump policies on issues including reproductive freedom, clean vehicle policies, immigration protections, and disaster response.
State Senator Henry Stern represents the Ventura County area burned in this month's Mountain Fire. He said he is confident Newsom and Trump can work through their political differences so California receives federal relief following wildfires.
"To make sure that, you know, Republicans and Democrats whose houses burn down could somehow rebuild their lives," Stern added.
Newsom has said he does not expect to battle Trump alone on policies. He is working with other Democratic governors to form what he calls "alliances."