California Governor Proposes 100% Tax on Federal 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund Payments
Sacramento, CA — California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Wednesday his intention to impose a 100% tax on any payments received by California residents from the U.S. Justice Department's "anti-weaponization fund," pending approval from the state legislature. Newsom made the announcement after signing election security legislation.
"I expect the worst with Trump because he's done the worst." — Gavin Newsom
The Federal Fund
The fund, established by the Trump administration's Justice Department, is valued at approximately $1.776 billion according to some sources, and $1.8 billion according to others. It is intended to compensate individuals who claim they were targeted by the previous Biden administration.
The fund has drawn bipartisan criticism, including from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who described it as a "slush fund."
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche met with Republican senators to address concerns about the fund. Blanche stated that while individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot could apply for compensation, there is no guarantee they would receive payment. He also noted that "people that hurt police get money all the time" in other contexts, but added it would be "abhorrent to ever, ever touch a law enforcement officer."
Governor's Proposal and Legal Path
Newsom stated that he would seek to tax 100% of any payments from the fund received by Californians. The legal pathway for this tax remains unclear, and it is likely to face court challenges.
Related Legislation
Newsom signed Senate Bill 73, designed to prevent election interference. The bill restricts law enforcement agencies, including federal agencies, from confiscating ballots, voter rolls, or voting machines without a warrant.
Key provisions of the bill include:
- Penalties of fines and up to three years in prison for violations
- Restrictions on warrantless seizure of election materials
The bill was introduced in response to concerns about election integrity following actions by Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican candidate for governor, and an event involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) near Dodger Stadium.