Newsom vows 100% tax on Trump anti-weaponization fund payouts in California

Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday that California will impose a 100% state tax on any payments received by state residents from the Trump administration's $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, a federal settlement pool that has drawn bipartisan criticism since its announcement.

The fund, which critics warn could deliver payments to Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection participants, has drawn opposition from both parties, underscoring a deepening standoff between California and the Trump administration over federal spending authority.

Speaking at a news conference in his Sacramento office, Newsom outlined the tax plan and invited legislative support to advance it. "One thing that I think we're going to try to do, with your support, is tax 100% anyone from California that receives any of those funds," the governor said, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. "And that's an action the state of California can take. It's an action we look forward to taking."

Newsom also signed legislation Wednesday designed to protect California elections from federal interference, signaling a broad push against what he described as federal overreach.

The Anti-Weaponization Fund has faced backlash across party lines since Trump administration officials announced it. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told CNN that Jan. 6 participants could apply for payments but said approval was not guaranteed.

"People that hurt police get money all the time," Blanche said when pressed by CNN on whether Capitol riot participants would be eligible for disbursements.

Newsom offered a blunt assessment of his posture toward the administration. "I expect the worst with Trump because he's done the worst," the governor said, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

California has been among the states most aggressively challenging Trump administration policies. Wednesday's dual announcements — the tax proposal targeting fund recipients and new election protection legislation — mark the latest escalation in that conflict.