Gov. Bob Ferguson criticizes Donald Trump, but open to working together
Feb 13, 2025, 7:27 PM | Updated: Feb 14, 2025, 8:57 am
While Washington Governor Bob Ferguson had tough words for president Donald Trump, he did offer to collaborate. (Screenshot from TVW)
(Screenshot from TVW)
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson held a news conference Thursday afternoon to discuss the potential loss of federal funding and to respond to President Donald Trump鈥檚 recent executive orders.
鈥淲e will protect the civil rights of Washingtonians. We will respect the right to healthcare that鈥檚 prescribed by a doctor, not a politician. We will stand up for all law-abiding residents who are contributing to our state and our economy regardless of their immigration status,鈥� Governor Ferguson explained.
Ferguson discussed a range of challenges facing Washington state that he says are due to action in D.C.
鈥淲e鈥檙e going to deal with what鈥檚 coming in from Washington, D.C., that鈥檚 harming Washingtonians, that鈥檚 impacting our budget, that鈥檚 impacting jobs in a negative way, and at the same time, we鈥檙e moving our state forward,鈥� Ferguson said.
Bob Ferguson on “obstacles” from White House
Governor Bob Ferguson said the Donald Trump White House is posing obstacles that impact healthcare, including gender-affirming care, and reproductive rights.
鈥淲e continue protecting access to a full range of reproductive healthcare options, as well as healthcare for transgender individuals. Healthcare is a human right and a civil right and in Washington State we will respect that,鈥� Ferguson said.
Ferguson responded to reports claiming Trump would not respect court orders temporarily pausing his executive orders. He said if Trump ignored the courts, it would be serious.
鈥淚f any President chose not to follow a court order, that, I can only describe as an absolute red line, underscored multiple times. That is nothing short of a constitutional crisis,鈥� Ferguson said.
Before he finished the news conference, Governor Ferguson spoke directly to President Trump.
鈥淚 will work with you in areas of common interest, but you鈥檙e making it tough, ok. But I鈥檓 still committed to that. I really am. But if you overstep your authority, we will stand up to you,鈥� Governor Ferguson said.
Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown also attended the press conference.
