Should we fight Donald Trump now? CA House speaker evades intense questioning from a reporter.

The Democratic speaker of the California assembly and a reporter debated whether lawmakers should prioritize allocating legal funds to protect the state from Trump's policies while wildfires continue to burn in Los Angeles.

Speaker Robert Rivas was questioned by California correspondent Ashley Zavala on Thursday about whether it is the appropriate time to hold a special legislative session to allocate funds to combat Trump's actions, which could already be done without such a session.

"Rivas stated that the wildfires were historic and could be some of the worst in state and national history."

While the wildfire is happening and people are concerned about disaster relief and obtaining homeowners insurance, the chamber convened a special legislative session to prepare for Donald Trump's arrival. Is it appropriate to hold a special legislative session at this time?

Rivas shifted his response to emphasize wildfire recovery, without directly addressing Zavala's question.

"As Speaker Ashley, my colleagues and I are acting with great urgency to provide much-needed relief to Angelenos and ensure that this region recovers from the disaster. We understand the importance of controlling and containing the multiple fires and keeping people safe now, in anticipation of recovery. As a state, we will do everything we can to support that recovery as a legislature."

Following President-Elect Donald Trump's electoral victory, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a special legislative session to strengthen the state's legal defense against potential attacks from the Trump administration. Trump responded by accusing Newsom of using the term "Trump-Proof" as a way to hinder the progress of his "Make California Great Again" agenda.

In the years 2017 to 2021, the California Department of Justice filed 122 lawsuits against the Trump administration's policies, with a total expenditure of $42 million on litigation. The office of Governor Gavin Newsom stated that in one case, the federal government was ordered to reimburse California nearly $60 million in public safety grants.

In 2018, the Trump administration filed two lawsuits against California, one challenging three sanctuary state laws and the other challenging the state's net neutrality law.

In 2019, Trump filed a lawsuit against California's vehicle emissions standards, seeking to revoke California's authority to establish its own emissions standards. In 2020, the Trump administration sued California over its AB 5 independent contractor law.

The Trump administration may target California, a state that supports illegal immigrants, abortion procedures, and transgender transition treatments for children, due to Trump's plan to deport illegal immigrants.

Previously, Newsom stated that the Golden State serves as a "pillar of the nation" by safeguarding and funding rights and liberties for all individuals. He added that state officials would collaborate with the incoming administration and wished President Trump success in fulfilling his duties to benefit all Americans.

"When there is overreach, when lives are threatened, and when rights and freedoms are targeted, we will take action," Newsom stated. "This special session is about setting this state up for success, regardless of who is in the White House."