Trump and Newsom spar over state’s policies

Donald Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom are locked in a staring contest over federal funding and taxes.  

Trump is pushing back against the state’s woke policies, threatening to hold back federal funding, which led to Newsom making a threat of his own.  

Pulling California’s Funding 

On Friday, the Trump administration came out firing against California, likely looking to get the media away from the feud with Elon Musk.  

White House spokesman Kush Desai stated, “No taxpayer should be forced to fund the demise of our country. 

“No final decisions, however, on any potential future action by the Administration have been made, and any discussion suggesting otherwise should be considered pure speculation.” 

Trump had already threatened funding over the transgender policies in the state, but this latest threat would have significant consequences for a state swimming in debt.  

Newsom Pushes Back 

Governor Newsom was obviously furious with Trump over the threats, and he spoke to anyone who would put a microphone in his face about fighting Trump on these cuts.  

If Trump cuts off funding to schools, and the decision holds up, it would be devastating to schools such as the University of California and California State University.  

Newsom claimed that “Californians pay the bills for the federal government,” which is a bit of an exaggeration.  

In the past, the courts have sided with the states because the money has already been allocated by Congress and signed off on, so this fight, once it starts, will likely spend a lot of time in the courts before it is settled.  

No More Federal Taxes 

Newsom eventually stated that maybe California will just stop sending money to the feds, stating, “We pay over $80 BILLION more in taxes than we get back. Maybe it’s time to cut that off.” 

The administration then tried to calm things down, stating, “The Trump administration is committed to ending this nightmare and restoring the California Dream. 

“No final decisions, however, on any potential future action by the Administration have been made, and any discussion suggesting otherwise should be considered pure speculation.” 

As far as I can tell, this is likely an empty threat by Trump based on court precedent we have seen in the past when Trump tries to pull congressionally approved funds from states. He just does not have the authority to pull funding over what the courts will see as a partisan policy.