California’s Governor Gavin Newsom just dropped a cool $25 million into a fund aimed at taking legal swings at the Trump administration. This isn’t just pocket change; it’s like the state’s version of an “I Dare You” to the MAGA hat brigade. This move marks California’s latest strategy to keep the golden state shining , and definitely not sandwiched between walls of red tape and outdated policies, especially as federal aid is desperately needed for the still-smoldering wreckage of wildfire season in Los Angeles.

In a plot twist worthy of reality TV, Newsom previously unveiled what he called a “Trump-proofing” plan just after the November elections. But in true Californian fashion, he unveiled the funding bill without any flashy press events. Instead, he slipped it out on a sleepy Friday afternoon, overshadowing it with a short and sweet press release. It was almost as if he didn’t want to draw attention to this major political maneuver, awkward, right?

The reality is that Newsom is in a bit of a pickle. Just this week, he sashayed over to Washington D.C. to charm, or perhaps plead with, Trump for disaster relief funds. That’s right, the same Trump who loves throwing verbal punches and who’s hinted he’d withhold aid unless the Golden State plays nice with some truly ancient water policies. During their chat, which Newsom described as “lengthy,” let’s just say the back-and-forth was probably less of a heartwarming reunion and more of a polite stare-off.

Back in California, the Attorney General, Rob Bonta, is revving his engine to take the lead on the planned lawsuits. He’s no stranger to the Trump fight club, having already thrown down two punches in the early days of Trump’s first term. And while Newsom is cozying up to the feds, California’s lawmakers have been spitting fire over this new legal fund. Republicans have blasted it as a political stunt, saying it distracts from the real fires (not the metaphorical kind) they need to deal with.

Despite the back and forth, Newsom maintains that the legal funds are essential to protect Californians from a president whose policies often feel more like a slap in the face than a helping hand. After all, with over 120 legal battles fought during Trump’s reign, and winning about two-thirds of them, it’s clear the state isn’t afraid to go toe-to-toe.

As Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas aptly stated, it’s about protecting residents against an “out-of-control administration”. In a time when trust in the federal government is lukewarm at best, this $25 million fund could be the lifeline that keeps California’s values afloat in the ever-turbulent waters of Washington politics.