California Governor Gavin Newsom is on a mission to protect the backbone of community service, and he’s not holding back. In a bold move that screams “we won’t back down,” Newsom has sued the Trump administration twice in two days, with the latest lawsuit targeting the massive layoffs of AmeriCorps volunteers.

The Volunteer Bloodbath

Imagine dedicating a year of your life to serving communities, only to be unceremoniously booted by a corporate-style government that seems to care more about bottom lines than human impact. That’s exactly what’s happening to approximately 2,000 AmeriCorps volunteers nationwide, most of whom are young adults between 18 and 26 who’ve been critical in disaster recovery efforts.

Fighting Words from the Governor

Newsom isn’t mincing words. In a press release that reads more like a passionate manifesto, he called out the administration’s approach as a metaphorical “middle finger to volunteers serving their fellow Americans”. The governor’s office didn’t just file a lawsuit; they did it with style and sass, contrasting today’s government approach with the hopeful legacy of past administrations.

California Strikes Back

In true California fashion, the state isn’t just sitting idle. Newsom announced they’ll challenge the “illegal action” in court while simultaneously ramping up the California Service Corps program. This move effectively says, “You cut volunteers? Watch us build an even bigger service network”.

With $25 million set aside specifically for legal battles against the Trump administration, California is making it clear: we’ll fight for our volunteers, our communities, and our values. Game on.