Newsom vows to levy 100% tax on California recipients of Trump's $1.8-billion 'slush fund'
Los Angeles Times • • nation
Key Points:
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom threatened to tax 100% of any funds received by Californians from President Trump’s $1.776-billion “anti-weaponization” fund, which compensates Trump allies claiming they were targeted by the Biden Justice Department.
- Newsom indicated that imposing this tax would require legislation from the Democratic-controlled California Legislature and could face legal challenges.
- The fund has drawn criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans, including Sen. Mitch McConnell, who called it a “slush fund” rewarding those who assault police.
- On the same day, Newsom signed Senate Bill 73 to prevent election interference by law enforcement, restricting actions such as confiscating ballots or voting machines without a warrant amid concerns about election integrity.
- Newsom also condemned ICE and Border Patrol’s recent actions near Dodger Stadium as intimidation tactics and warned of criminal penalties for election interference, expressing expectations that Trump will attempt to influence the upcoming election in California.