California Volunteers says it will "fight back" after DOJ actions affect service members and grantees

A California Volunteers official said this week the organization is “fighting back” against actions by the Trump administration and the U.S. Department of Justice that could affect some of its service members and grant partners, and that it is working with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office and the California attorney general to respond.

The official addressed “the California service family,” saying the developments had created “incredible uncertainty” for volunteers and grantees but that the organization would “continue to have your back.”

The official said: “We are fighting back. We are working very closely with the governor's office and the attorney general's office to fight these illegal actions, and we will continue to have your back.” They added, “I am certain that your service has made our state stronger. Governor Newsom and I are so grateful for the fact that you have stepped up to use your time and your passion and your energy to help all of us to make us more resilient, healthier, and to bring hope to so many.”

The statement urged volunteers with questions or concerns to reach out to the organization for support, and framed the outreach as an offer of assistance during a period the speaker called “difficult.” The official repeated the pledge of coordination with state officials but did not specify legal claims, particular DOJ actions, or a timeline for any formal challenge.

No motions, votes or formal actions were recorded in the statement. The remarks were a public-facing update and did not include a request for board action, new funding, or policy changes.

California Volunteers did not provide additional details about which service members or grantees could be affected, what specific federal actions prompted the statement, or what legal steps would follow beyond coordination with the governor’s and attorney general’s offices. The organization asked members to contact staff with questions.