California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, has been actively engaging in legal battles with the Trump administration, though his history of winning appeals doesn’t seem particularly promising.
To date, California has initiated over 30 lawsuits against the federal government, either independently or alongside other Democratic states. Some of these cases have achieved temporary victories, but sustaining those victories against appeals appears unlikely. The ultimate outcomes remain uncertain.
Notably, California is pursuing twice as many lawsuits against the federal government compared to the number filed during Trump’s first term. The state successfully won about two-thirds of the 123 cases it filed then, with an expenditure of roughly $10 million annually on litigation.
In February, the California State Legislature allocated $50 million to further lawsuits against the Trump administration and to provide legal assistance to immigrants. However, as the state faces a significant fiscal deficit, it has been compelled to reduce funding for priorities like healthcare for undocumented immigrants.
Challenges in Court
Newsom encountered a setback recently in a direct confrontation with the federal administration.
In April, California filed a lawsuit against Trump’s tariffs, arguing they are unconstitutional under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA). By June, the Trump administration gained a partial win when judges concluded that the case lacked sufficient jurisdiction and should be referred to the International Trade Court. Newsom’s appeal to the 9th Circuit is set for oral arguments on September 17th.
Additionally, California filed a lawsuit in June to take control of the National Guard after Trump engaged them in Los Angeles amid anti-ICE protests. Although an initial ruling was in Newsom’s favor by a Clinton-appointed judge, the Court of Appeals quickly halted that decision, allowing Trump to maintain dominance over the National Guard.
The case is scheduled for consideration in a trial on August 11th.
In a related commentary, former President Trump remarked on social media about the situation, suggesting that the local police couldn’t adequately protect citizens amid these issues.
A short time after launching the National Guard lawsuit, California and ten other Democratic states challenged Trump’s resolution that ended Biden-era regulations allowing states to set their own electric vehicle standards. This case remains pending, but the Trump administration believes it will ultimately be dismissed.
As EPA Associate Administrator Molly Vaseliou mentioned, the foundational principles dictate that Congress passes laws which the President enforces. In her view, California’s actions seem like a tantrum in response to federal decisions.
Multistate Efforts
California has taken a leading role in several multistate legal actions, some of which have reached the Supreme Court. Recently, the Court dealt a blow to the Trump administration, addressing challenges to nearly half of the federal education employees contested by California and other states.
A prior denial from the Supreme Court in April rejected California’s appeal concerning cuts to teacher training grants linked to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
While California achieved a brief triumph in securing injunctions that counteracted certain Trump policies around immigration enforcement and funding for electric vehicle infrastructure, the broader legal landscape remains complex. A ruling from Judge William Young found significant issues with the administration’s grant cuts, highlighting concerns over discriminatory practices.
Other lawsuits in progress involve challenges around Medicaid, immigration data sharing, and the enforcement of policies impacting DEI initiatives.
On July 11th, Newsom expressed satisfaction with a ruling that temporarily halted immigrant arrests in Los Angeles under dubious circumstances.
The Trump administration has since asked the 9th Circuit to pause the ordered injunctions.
Federal Responses
California’s aggressive legal stance has drawn scrutiny from the Trump administration, which has engaged in numerous lawsuits in retaliation.
The White House responded by emphasizing the administration’s commitment to traditional norms and rules surrounding federal law compliance. Following a lawsuit against the California Department of Education regarding Title IX violations—allowing men into women’s sports—the administration reinforced its intent to challenge California’s policies.
Officials argue that California’s regulations have negatively impacted consumers, particularly relating to rising egg prices, and assert that these restrictions undermine choice.
Comments from California Attorney General Rob Bonta regarding future responses were not available at the time.
