President Donald Trump has signed a resolution overturning California’s landmark 2035 gas car ban, reigniting a fierce legal fight over states’ rights and electric vehicle mandates.
WASHINGTON, DC (WE) — President Donald Trump signed a resolution Thursday blocking California‘s rule banning the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035. The signing sets the stage for another legal battle between the federal government and the state, which often clashes with Republican leadership.
Congress approved the resolution last month. Consequently, it reverses the country’s most ambitious vehicle policy and undermines California’s role in leading national efforts to cut emissions. In addition, Trump nullified two other policies: one targeting tailpipe emissions and another regulating nitrogen oxide emissions from trucks.
At a White House ceremony, Trump called California’s efforts “shocking” and harmful to the economy and consumer freedom.
“It’s been a disaster for this country,” Trump said. “They want to force Americans into electric cars.”
The move escalates Trump’s feud with Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat expected to run for president in 2028. Their disputes now include immigration policy, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental rules, and infrastructure spending. Most recently, Trump deployed troops to Los Angeles during immigration protests, which Newsom opposed.
As a result, the three resolutions Trump signed halt California’s plans to phase out combustion engines, end diesel truck sales, and reduce freight emissions.
Trump criticized electric vehicles more broadly. However, he complimented Tesla and CEO Elon Musk.
“I like Tesla,” he said. “They’re doing great. But you shouldn’t be forced into an EV.”
Meanwhile, Trump veered off-topic. He joked about windmills, electric boats, electrocution, and sharks.
“I’ll take electrocution every single day over being eaten by a shark,” he said.
Bill Kent, owner of Kent Kwik stores, said the rules would have forced him to install costly infrastructure with no return.
“This gives us freedom,” Kent said.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing automakers, also backed Trump’s move.
“Everyone agreed these EV mandates were unrealistic,” said John Bozzella, the group’s CEO.
On the other hand, California leaders vowed to fight back.
“If it’s a day ending in Y, it’s another day of Trump’s war on California,” said Daniel Villaseñor, Newsom’s spokesperson.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta is expected to sue the federal government. He planned to speak at a news conference Thursday.
Trump has pledged to revive U.S. auto manufacturing and increase oil drilling. Furthermore, the EPA on Wednesday proposed repealing limits on greenhouse gas emissions from coal and natural gas power plants.
Nevertheless, environmental groups slammed the decision. Dan Becker from the Center for Biological Diversity said Trump rewarded Big Oil and Big Auto at the public’s expense.
“This is a betrayal of democracy,” Becker said.
For decades, California received EPA waivers to enforce stricter standards. About a dozen other states followed its lead. Previously, Trump revoked that authority in his first term, but President Joe Biden reinstated it in 2022.
So far, Trump hasn’t moved to revoke the waiver again. However, the new resolution signals that he might.
Republicans oppose the waivers. Therefore, they used the Congressional Review Act this year to try to block California’s policies.
However, the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that the rules can’t legally be overturned this way. The Senate parliamentarian agreed.
Consequently, legal experts believe this gives California a strong case.
California holds about 11% of the U.S. auto market, giving it significant influence. Additionally, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington have also adopted its gas car ban.
Automakers now face conflicting signals. While the federal government slows EV progress, consumer demand and global trends push forward. According to the International Energy Agency, global EV sales rose 35% in 2024.
Companies like Ford, General Motors, and Hyundai have already launched major EV lines.
Mary Nichols, former CARB chair, warned that the U.S. risks falling behind globally.
“This transition is happening,” Nichols said. “The question is whether we lead or follow.”
Trump’s stance on EVs is now central to his 2024 campaign. It focuses on deregulation and support for traditional industries. Notably, his anti-mandate message resonates with many conservatives.
Still, public opinion is split. According to a Pew Research poll, 52% support ending gas vehicle sales. However, Republicans are far less supportive than Democrats.
Governor Newsom said California would not back down.
“This is about whether states can protect their people or be forced into bad federal policy,” he said.
Ultimately, the nation now watches as California and Washington clash once again. The courts will decide which path America’s auto future will take.
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