Newsom vows to levy 100% tax on California recipients of Trump's $1.8-billion 'slush fund'

Newsom vowed to tax 100% of any money Californians receive from President Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund for political allies. The Justice Department announced a $1.776 billion fund to compensate allies who claim they suffered “weaponization and lawfare” under the Biden administration’s Justice Department. Newsom said California could take action to impose the tax, but how it would be implemented was unclear and likely required approval from the Democratic-led California Legislature. The proposal could face legal challenges. Newsom’s comments came as he signed Senate Bill 73, which bars law enforcement from seizing ballots from local election officials and includes criminal penalties for intimidation of voters.

"“Anyone from California that receives any of those funds, we want to tax 100% of those proceeds,” the governor told reporters Thursday. “That's an action the state of California can take ...[and] it's an action we look forward to taking.” Just how Newsom would do so remains unclear. He indicated that he would need action from the Democratic-led California Legislature to impose the new tax. If adopted, the measure would likely face legal challenge."

"Trump's Justice Department had announced last week that it would establish a $1.776-billion fund to compensate allies of the president who claim they have “suffered weaponization and lawfare” under the Biden administration's Justice Department. The fund has prompted outrage from Democrats and some Republicans - including Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who said in a statement that the “slush fund,” which would “pay people who assault cops,” was “utterly stupid.”"

"Newsom unveiled the threat while signing Senate Bill 73, new legislation barring law enforcement from seizing ballots from local election officials. Citing ICE and Border Patrol's show of force near Dodger Stadium, the governor warned agencies against intimidating voters, backing the law with criminal fines and potential three-year jail terms."

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