A California legislative committee has delayed its initial hearing on fortifying the state against potential legal challenges from the incoming Trump administration. This session, dubbed "Trump-proofing," was intended to strengthen California's legal defenses. The postponement comes as devastating wildfires sweep through Los Angeles, impacting the districts of some committee members, including Democratic Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel, who is currently under evacuation orders.

Despite the ongoing wildfires, California lawmakers continued to modify legislation related to former President Trump. Proposals include a website to monitor lawsuits between California and the Trump administration, allocation of $25 million for the state Department of Justice's legal defense fund, and an additional $25 million in grants for immigration services. Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener emphasized the state's commitment to defending against what he termed Trump's "extremist agenda," citing past legal battles over reproductive rights, immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental protections.

Governor Gavin Newsom initially called for this special session following Trump's election victory. Trump responded critically to Newsom's efforts, claiming it was an attempt to obstruct positive changes in California. From 2017 to 2021, California's Department of Justice initiated 122 lawsuits against the Trump administration, costing $42 million. One notable case resulted in the federal government reimbursing California nearly $60 million in public safety grants.

Conversely, the Trump administration filed four major lawsuits against California, targeting sanctuary state laws, net neutrality, vehicle emissions standards, and the state's independent contractor law. Newsom's office did not provide a comment by the time of publication.