Newsom’s proposal targets the Department of Justice’s new $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, which was established as part of a settlement that led Trump to drop a lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. The fund is intended to compensate individuals who claim they were victims of government “weaponization” or politically motivated legal actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The California governor, who is widely viewed as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, has been among the fund’s most vocal critics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On social media, Newsom argued the fund could ultimately benefit people connected to the January 6 Capitol riot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n“He pardoned all of those folks that were beating up cops and absolved them, providing them 1.776 billion dollars. So not only do you get a pardon, you get rewarded,” Newsom wrote on X, according to Fox News. “That’s why this is needed.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Supporters of the Anti-Weaponization Fund have described it as a nonpartisan effort to provide compensation to Americans who were improperly targeted by government agencies. Critics, however, have labeled it a political “boondoggle” that could enrich Trump’s allies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Newsom’s opposition has also sparked accusations of hypocrisy from Republicans and conservative critics. Fox News noted that critics have pointed to California’s own politically controversial spending programs, including a $25 million legal fund established to challenge actions taken by the Trump administration. California Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones previously described that program as a “slush fund.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The debate may be largely theoretical for now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Friday, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema temporarily blocked the Trump administration from establishing or operating the Anti-Weaponization Fund while legal challenges proceed. Brinkema ordered the government to maintain the status quo until she can rule on requests to halt the program more permanently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The judge’s ruling prevents any funds from being distributed while the case moves forward, creating a major obstacle for one of Trump’s most controversial second-term initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Newsom’s proposed tax would likely face legal scrutiny of its own if the fund ultimately survives the ongoing court challenge and begins issuing payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n