Newsom Vows 100% Tax on Trump Anti-Weaponization Fund Payments

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) vowed to impose a 100% ^[1] state tax on payments Californians receive from Donald Trump's anti-weaponization slush fund.

The move represents a direct fiscal confrontation between the state of California and the federal political apparatus. By neutralizing the financial benefit of the fund for residents, Newsom aims to signal opposition to the purpose of the payments.

Newsom said the announcement during a news conference on Wednesday ^[2]. The target of the proposed tax is a fund created to support anti-weaponization efforts related to Jan. 6. The fund is estimated to be worth approximately $1.8 billion ^[1], though some reports place the figure at $1.776 billion ^[3].

California intends to levy this tax to prevent residents from benefiting from the controversial fund ^[2]. This strategy would effectively redirect any money received from the slush fund back into state coffers, essentially canceling out the payment for the recipient.

The governor's proposal targets the specific nature of the anti-weaponization fund. The fund was established to provide support for those involved in efforts surrounding the events of Jan. 6. Newsom said the tax is a necessary measure to oppose the fund's objectives ^[2].

This action follows a pattern of California using state tax policy to challenge federal initiatives or political movements. The administration is leveraging its authority over state income tax to create a financial barrier against the use of the $1.8 billion ^[1] fund within its borders.