(KMJ) Governor Gavin Newsom is vowing to claw back controversial federal payments tied to President Donald Trump.
Newsom says the state will impose a 100% tax on any money Californians receive from a nearly $1.8 billion dollar “anti-weaponization” fund secured by Trump in a settlement with the U.S. Justice Department.
Speaking Wednesday, Newsom called the fund a “slush fund,” and said the goal is to ensure none of that money benefits residents in California.
The move comes as democratic lawmakers across the country push similar efforts.
In New York, legislation has been introduced to fully tax any payouts, with a vote expected as soon as next week. Lawmakers in New Jersey are also drafting comparable measures.
Critics on both sides of the aisle have raised concerns about the fund, which Trump announced as part of a broader legal settlement. He’s defended it as restitution for people he says were mistreated by the federal government, but opponents warn it could allow payments to individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riot.
Newsom, who has frequently clashed with Trump and is seen as a possible 2028 presidential candidate, also signed a separate measure Wednesday aimed at limiting federal interference in California’s elections.
For now, the fight over the fund is quickly expanding beyond Washington, with states looking for ways to block or reclaim the money before any payments are made.
