Trump Said to Propose Opening California’s Coast to Oil Drilling

Governor Newsom dismisses the plan as “dead on arrival”

Washington, D.C. – According to sources familiar with the matter, former President Donald Trump has floated the idea of allowing oil drilling along the California coastline. The proposal, which would overturn long‑standing state restrictions, is being touted as a way to boost energy production and create jobs.

Governor Gavin Newsom, a vocal opponent of offshore drilling and a frequent critic of Trump’s energy policies, slammed the suggestion the moment it surfaced. “This is dead on arrival,” the governor said in a press briefing, emphasizing that California’s coastal waters are protected for environmental and public‑health reasons.

The plan would require federal approval and a major shift in state regulations that have prohibited offshore oil exploration for decades. Environmental groups have already warned that opening the coast to drilling could threaten marine ecosystems, tourism, and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Legal experts note that even if Trump were to issue an executive directive, it would face numerous hurdles, including lawsuits from states, NGOs, and possibly the courts. Meanwhile, California’s legislature is expected to introduce bills reinforcing the state’s ban on offshore drilling.

As the debate unfolds, both sides are preparing for a protracted showdown over the future of California’s pristine shoreline.