Context:

Governor Gavin Newsom of California criticized President Donald Trump after the Department of Justice ruled that Trump could revoke Biden-era protections for natural lands in California. Newsom expressed that Trump's actions were petty, particularly concerning the potential rescission of national monument status for the Chuckwalla and Sattitla Highlands, which were protected under former President Biden. The Justice Department justified its decision by stating that the president's authority is reversible by future administrations and highlighted economic benefits of revoking monument designations. Newsom also mocked Trump on social media, suggesting that Trump's actions could incite violence in Democrat-run states and accused him of wanting to 'militarize cities'. White House spokesman Harrison Fields defended Trump's actions, arguing that freeing federal lands is essential for American energy dominance, and criticized Newsom's policies as detrimental to Californians.

Dive Deeper:

• California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized President Trump over a Department of Justice decision that allows the rescission of protections for national monuments in California, accusing Trump of engaging in a war against California.

• The Justice Department's ruling reverses a previous assertion that presidents cannot abolish protected areas, arguing instead that such designations could be revoked if they are no longer deemed deserving of protection.

• Newsom mocked Trump publicly, claiming that Trump's policies were petty and accusing him of attempting to incite violence and militarize Democrat-run states.

• The administration defended its decision by pointing out the potential economic benefits of developing lands currently under federal protection, a rationale opposed by environmentalists.

• In response to criticisms from Missouri's Jason Smith about crime in California, Newsom compared homicide rates between Missouri and California, implying Missouri's rate is significantly higher.

• White House spokesperson Harrison Fields criticized Newsom's energy policies, labeling them as harmful to Californians and accusing them of enriching political donors at the expense of citizens.

• Newsom's criticisms of Trump extend beyond land protection issues, touching on broader themes of political and social governance, as he continues to challenge federal decisions impacting California.