Newsom’s office said the funds would be used to protect billions of dollars in state funding, including disaster relief and health care.

"When there is overreach, when lives are threatened, when rights and freedoms are targeted, we will take action," Newsom said.

The governor says he expects to receive and sign legislation to ‘defend’ the state before President-elect Trump’s inauguration on January 20.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom appears to be trying to strike a delicate balance between the political brawler that his Democratic base admires and a more measured national leader capable of winning back disenfranchised voters across the country.

A special session​ called by California Gov. Gavin Newsom will begin Monday. Lawmakers have been tasked with weighing how to defend the state's progressive policies during President-elect Donald Trump's second term.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has made no secret that he intends to play a big role in the resistance to President-elect Donald Trump, but fiscal hawks in his state are warning that expensive strategies and brash plans could do more harm than good.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has asked lawmakers to approve $25 million for California's anticipated legal battles with the incoming Trump White House.