California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) suggested that once Donald Trump leaves office, things could return to normal, back to whatever existed before him. This statement was met with skepticism, with Newsom suggesting that he was unready to lead and unwilling to lead amid friction, scarcity, and opposition. This sentiment is a familiar belief that productivity begins once hardship subsides, but adversity rarely does. The author argues that leadership works with the conditions at hand rather than waiting for better conditions. Despite challenges such as cyber warfare, artificial intelligence in military systems, energy instability, supply chain fragility, and the security posture of the West, California has a significant economic capacity.