President Donald Trump just dropped a bombshell on California’s progressive car dreams, signing resolutions that gut the state’s aggressive electric vehicle mandates.
As reported by Fox News, Trump put pen to paper on three congressional resolutions on Thursday, effectively halting California’s plans to ban gasoline-only vehicles by 2035, scrap heavy-duty diesel rules, and force an electric vehicle takeover.
Joined by heavy hitters like Speaker Mike Johnson, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and EPA Chief Lee Zeldin—whom Trump dubbed the “most important man in the room”—the signing was a clear message: federal power trumps state overreach. It’s a win for those who see California’s rules as a dangerous overstep, threatening American jobs and consumer choice.
The first resolution axes a Biden-era EPA waiver that demanded 80% of California vehicles be electric by 2035. The second kills a plan to flood the state with zero-emission heavy-duty trucks, while the third dismantles strict low-nitrogen oxide rules for off-road and heavy vehicles. These moves, enacted under the Congressional Review Act, are permanent and shielded from typical legal challenges.
Trump didn’t mince words, stating, “Under the previous administration, the federal government gave left-wing radicals in California dictatorial powers.” That’s a sharp jab at policies many conservatives view as detached from reality, prioritizing ideology over practicality. Turns out, not everyone wants to plug in their pickup during a blackout.
California’s rules don’t just stop at its borders; 17 other states follow their lead on EV mandates and environmental restrictions. Trump argued this creates a ripple effect, risking an estimated 200,000 American autoworker jobs, potentially shifting to China, a powerhouse in EV production. It’s a sobering reminder that global competition doesn’t play nice with utopian dreams.
Industry leaders, including the American Trucking Association and the American Petroleum Institute, cheered the decision. General Motors also backed the move, pushing for a unified national emissions standard rather than a patchwork of state rules. It’s a rare moment of agreement that suggests even corporate giants crave clarity over chaos.
American Trucking Association CEO Chris Spear praised the action, saying, “This is not the United States of California.” That line cuts to the core of the debate—should one state dictate policy for the nation? For many, the answer is a resounding no.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a longtime champion of these mandates, isn’t taking this lying down. Back in 2020, he called the EV push “the most impactful step” to fight climate change. Now, he’s filed a lawsuit, labeling Trump’s actions an “all-out assault” on his state.
Newsom’s rhetoric is fiery, claiming Trump is “destroying our clean air” and hurting America’s competitiveness. But let’s be honest—when California’s grid already struggles with blackouts, mandating electric-only vehicles feels like building a castle on sand. Practicality matters, even if the intentions are noble.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta echoed Newsom’s defiance, accusing Trump of “playing partisan games with lives on the line.” While the passion is undeniable, one has to wonder if forcing unready tech on an unwilling public is the real gamble here.
Trump, meanwhile, framed his decision as part of a broader mission to “unleash American energy.” He tied the resolutions to his campaign promises of energy independence through coal, oil, and gas development while taking a swipe at Newsom’s leadership during recent anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles and past wildfires in Southern California. It’s a pointed critique of state priorities.
“Think of this, you can’t buy any other car except an electric-powered car, and in California, they have blackouts,” Trump quipped. It’s a zinger with teeth—how do you charge a car when the lights won’t even turn on? For many Americans, that’s the kind of common sense that’s been missing from policy debates.
This showdown between Trump and Newsom isn’t just about cars; it’s about who gets to steer the future of American industry.
While California pushes for a green utopia, Trump’s resolutions aim to protect jobs and consumer freedom, backed by industry voices tired of regulatory whiplash. The battle is far from over, but for now, the federal hammer has come down hard.
