Never let it be said that California's Governor, the impeccably coiffed Gavin Newsom, can't see the writing on the wall - especially when that writing is reflected in the recent electoral drubbing suffered by Democrats.
Now, the week after that electoral drubbing, Governor "Hairgel" Newsom will be buzzing off to Washington to try to appeal to the Biden administration to help preserve his progressive agenda from the incoming Trump juggernaut.
Left-wing California Gov. Gavin Newson will travel to the nation’s capital this week to protect California’s policies from President-elect Donald Trump, according to multiple outlets.
Reportedly, Newsom is seeking a $5.2 billion reimbursement for emergency funding during the COVID-19 pandemic, updates to California’s Medicaid program, and other priorities during a meeting with the Biden administration.
In addition, Newsom will discuss zero-emission vehicles and disaster relief with the Biden administration (via the Associated Press):
The Trump administration in 2019 revoked California’s ability to enforce its own tailpipe emissions standards. President Joe Biden later restored the state’s authority, which was upheld in federal court.
So, he is going hat in hand to whoever is pulling Joe Biden's strings - I think we all realize at this point that the President is non compos mentis and serving only as a figurehead - to look for a federal handout on his pet issues, including electric vehicles. He's seeing his last chance to grab some federal funding on some of his more ridiculous agenda items - and he's taking steps to throw as many roadblocks as he can under the wheels of the incoming Trump train:
Late last week, Newsom called a special session with state lawmakers in response to Trump’s election victory.
As [Townhall's] Sarah [Arnold] covered, this was meant to devise a plan to fight against federal policies that impact abortion, illegal immigration, so-called “climate change,” among many others.
The issue of illegal immigration alone promises to be a bitter fight between Newsom and Trump. California has the largest number of illegal aliens - it's not even close - and the once and former Golden State is not only a sanctuary jurisdiction, but so are several of its larger cities. There's a new sheriff in town where illegal aliens are concerned, and California is certain to draw the attention of the new border czar.
Newsom is also liable to run afoul of a second Trump administration on energy policy, especially where federal subsidies for things like electric vehicles are concerned - and energy policy in general, given California's recent drastic tax hikes on gasoline.
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The President-elect has already commented on Newsom's intentions:
They are making it impossible to build a reasonably priced car, the unchecked and unbalanced homeless catastrophe, & the cost of EVERYTHING, in particular “groceries,” IS OUT OF CONTROL. Also, as an “AGENT” for the United States of America on Voting & Elections, I will be DEMANDING THAT VOTER I.D., AND PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP, ARE A NECESSARY PART AND COMPONENT OF THE VOTING PROCESS!
The President-elect is correct on people leaving California; in the 2020 census the state, for the first time in its history, lost a House of Representatives seat in reapportionment after the census. In the 2030 census reapportionment, it may lose as many as four seats. Who is projected to gain seats? Texas and Florida.
If Gavin Newsom isn't drawing some conclusions from all of this, then he's probably not qualified to be governor - but then, I think we knew that already.
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