June 2025 Round-Up
As we closed out June, I reflected on what was both a month of deep pride and serious reckoning for our state. We celebrated Pride Month with joy, visibility, and the unwavering belief that everyone deserves to live freely and authentically. From the San Francisco Pride flag ceremony to commemorating the legacy of Harvey Milk, we honored the LGBTQ+ leaders past and present who have made California a beacon for equality. June was also National Gun Violence Awareness Month, where we continue to honor the memory of the 49 lives lost at the Pulse Nightclub mass shooting nine years ago—a powerful reminder that the fight for safety and acceptance is far from over. Unfortunately, this month was also marked by a grave and dangerous challenge to our democracy. President Trump launched militarized ICE raids in Los Angeles. He unlawfully seized control of the California National Guard, deploying thousands of troops and hundreds of Marines to our communities without justification or coordination. Families were left living in fear. Schools, churches, and workplaces were thrust into chaos. And all of it came with a $134 million taxpayer-funded price tag. Even amid these challenges, California held the line. Despite a tough budget year, thanks to the leadership of Governor Newsom, Speaker Rivas, Pro Tem McGuire, and members of the legislature, we passed a budget that protects core services and reflects California’s values. We marked Juneteenth with reverence and a renewed commitment to equity. And when the Supreme Court took aim at birthright citizenship, we reminded the country that the Constitution matters—and California will always stand for inclusion, justice, and the rule of law. This month, I was more proud than ever to serve as your Lieutenant Governor—because when democracy is tested, California leads.
Eleni Kounalakis
Lieutenant Governor of California
Los Angeles ICE Raids & Trump’s Military Overreach
In an unprecedented and deeply disturbing move, Donald Trump attempted to seize control of the California National Guard—deploying 700 Marines and federalizing 4,000 of our Guard members without consultation with our state or local leaders. Alongside this military escalation, families were torn apart, children were traumatized, and people were too afraid to go to work, school, or even leave their homes. California—home to more immigrants than any other state—was once again forced to bear the brunt of Trump’s dangerous, anti-immigrant agenda. This kind of authoritarian overreach doesn’t just threaten California—it threatens our entire democracy.
I’ve been speaking out across the media to make sure the world knows what’s happening here and to affirm that California will not be intimidated:
- Crooked Media’s ‘Hysteria ’ Podcast
- ABC 10 ‘To The Point’ with Alex Bell
- KRON 4 with Vicki Liviakis
- MSNBC Deadline with Nicolle Wallace & Rev. Al Sharpton
I also joined thousands of Californians for the No Kings Rally in Los Angeles to say what must always remain true: NO KINGS ALLOWED HERE. The power in this country belongs to the people, not to one man.
San Francisco Pride Flag Ceremony
June was Pride Month, and I was honored to join LGBTQ+ leaders, allies, and San Francisco Mayor Lurie for the city’s Pride flag-raising ceremony at City Hall. California is home to the largest LGBTQ+ community in the country. From Harvey Milk to Proposition 3, which enshrined marriage rights in our constitution, our state has led the nation in the fight for equality. But the work is far from over. I shared my own story about marching as a U.S. Ambassador in the Budapest Pride Parade—a tradition now outlawed under the far-right leadership of Viktor Orbán. This is why we can never take our freedoms for granted. We must protect them fiercely and fearlessly.
3rd Anniversary of the Dobbs Decision
Three years ago, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, stripping away nearly 50 years of precedent and ending the constitutional right to abortion in America. The Dobbs decision ignited a full-scale assault on reproductive freedom; opening the door to criminalizing abortion, attacking contraception, and defunding vital health services. Now, Trump and his allies are doubling down with their “Big Beautiful Bill,” which aims to defund Planned Parenthood and deny millions of women access to basic health care, especially low-income women who already face barriers. California will never stand for it. The right to make decisions about our own bodies is fundamental, and we will never stop fighting to defend it.
Juneteenth Commemoration
On Juneteenth, we commemorated the day enslaved Black Americans in Texas learned they were free, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s a stark reminder that freedom is not truly freedom until it belongs to everyone. I recommitted myself to the work of uplifting Black voices and continuing California’s fight for justice and equity.
2025 California Business Outlook Forum
At the California Business Outlook, I joined Visit California CEO Caroline Beteta for a conversation on trade and tariffs, and how Trump’s trade policies have harmed California’s global relationships and created economic instability. Despite that, California’s economy continues to lead:
- 4th largest economy in the world
- Over $180 billion in exports in 2024
- More than 4.5 million jobs tied to international trade
- #1 in new business starts, VC funding, manufacturing output, and high-tech innovation
Our strength comes from our diversity. 27% of Californians are immigrants, and 50% have at least one foreign-born parent. That diversity drives our economy, enriches our culture, and powers our future.
Meeting with Portuguese Ambassador
This month, I met with His Excellency Francisco Duarte Lopes, Portugal’s Ambassador to the United States, to discuss the deepening economic and cultural ties between Portugal and California. With over $633 million in two-way trade last year, Portugal is now California’s 56th largest trading partner.
Inauguration of Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee
It was an honor to attend the inauguration of Mayor Barbara Lee, Oakland’s first Black woman mayor and a longtime champion for justice, public service, and the people of the East Bay. From her time in Congress to her new role as mayor, Barbara has never stopped fighting for her community—and I know she will bring that same fearless leadership to City Hall.
