California Approves $50M ‘Trump-Proofing’ Fund Amid Federal Disaster Aid Uncertainty

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California lawmakers have approved a controversial $50 million fund aimed at fighting President Donald Trump’s policies in court and supporting immigrants, even as the state awaits much-needed federal aid for victims of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

The legislation, which passed along party lines on Monday, was the result of a special session convened by Gov. Gavin Newsom last year, according to Politico. The move underscores the state’s ongoing legal and political battles with the Trump administration.

“Californians are being threatened by an out-of-control administration in Washington that doesn’t care about the Constitution, that thinks there are no limits to its path,” Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas said before the vote. Rivas defended California’s 1.8 million undocumented immigrants, emphasizing their economic contributions.

They contribute nearly $9 billion in taxes — and are not criminals,” he stated. Despite strong support from Democratic lawmakers, the move has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans, who argue that the timing is ill-advised given the state’s ongoing struggle to secure federal disaster relief.

“You are putting us on a collision course with the national administration,” Assemblymember Carl DeMaio warned. “You are doubling down on policies that hurt Californians.” The funding approval comes just a day after officials confirmed that two of the largest and most deadly wildfires in California’s history had been fully contained.

The fires, which erupted last month, claimed at least 29 lives and destroyed tens of thousands of buildings. While the state’s Democratic leadership sees the $50 million allocation as a necessary step to protect California’s policies and residents from federal overreach, critics contend it diverts resources from urgent needs, including wildfire recovery and other pressing infrastructure projects.

California has been at the forefront of legal challenges against the Trump administration on issues ranging from immigration to environmental policies. With this new fund, the state is signaling that its opposition to Trump’s agenda will continue, even as it waits for federal assistance to help rebuild communities devastated by the wildfires.

The political clash between California and the federal government is expected to intensify in the coming months, with both sides preparing for legal battles over state sovereignty, immigration policy, and disaster relief funding.