California Gov. Gavin Newsom and his people are gearing up for war with President-elect Donald Trump (“Left seeks to deny American people the agenda they voted for,” web, Nov. 12).

They see this as an opportunity to show themselves at their political best, aggressively protecting the state and its residents from the coming onslaught of revenge. With just over a year left in his second term as our governor (yes, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel), Mr. Newsom needs this in part to prove himself for what’s to come in 2028 — because, of course, he wants to be president.

The best way for the Trump administration to stop Mr. Newsom from profiting politically from the above-mentioned scenario is to do nothing. That is to say, it should not withhold federal funding from any programs, nor should it go on the attack or do anything else to change business as usual.

If Mr. Trump doesn’t give Mr. Newsom and his people the ammunition, they won’t be able to take the shots they’re now preparing. That’s taking the high road. It will be noticed and it will reveal Mr. Newsom’s selfish motives if the good governor tries to create a conflict where none exists.

ARTHUR SAGINIAN

Santa Clarita, California

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