Trending Now - California Targets Trump's Fund With Bold Tax Strategy Amid GOP Concerns

WHO:

ABC7 Los Angeles - Governor Gavin Newsom announced a tax strategy regarding Trump's fund.

ABC7 Los Angeles - Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is involved in discussions about the fund.

Alternet - President Donald Trump created the $1.8 billion fund.

The Bulwark - Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.) expressed skepticism about the fund.

WHAT:

ABC7 Los Angeles - California will impose a 100% tax on any payout received by a California resident from Trump's $1.8 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund."

ABC7 Los Angeles - The fund is intended to compensate individuals claiming victimization by the Biden administration, including potential payments to Jan. 6 rioters.

Alternet - Trump's fund is described as a "slush fund" for his supporters and institutions linked to him.

Alternet - Trump logged a 39% approval rating in an Emerson poll, down from 40% in April.

Alternet - The fund was created as part of a settlement related to Trump's lawsuit against the IRS for $10 billion.

Alternet - The fund is controlled by five members appointed by Todd Blanche, with no clear guidelines on payments.

WHERE:

ABC7 Los Angeles - The announcement was made in Sacramento, California.

Alternet - The fund is associated with the Justice Department.

WHEN:

Alternet - The fund was established on May 18, 2026.

Alternet - A deadline of May 20, 2026, was set for the matter to be brought back to Judge Kathleen M. Williams.

WHY:

ABC7 Los Angeles - Newsom stated the tax is a response to concerns about Trump's tactics and federal interference in California elections.

Alternet - The fund is seen as a response to perceived victimization by the Biden administration.

HOW:

ABC7 Los Angeles - Newsom plans to tax 100% of the proceeds from the fund for California residents.

The Bulwark - Langworthy called for congressional oversight and scrutiny regarding the fund's execution and distribution of funds.

(UPDATED May 29, 2026 01:37 UTC)

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that California will impose a 100% tax on any payouts received by residents from President Trump's $1.8 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund," which is intended to compensate individuals claiming victimization by the Biden administration. The fund, created as part of a settlement related to Trump's lawsuit against the IRS, is controlled by five members appointed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, but lacks clear guidelines on payments. Meanwhile, Rep. Nick Langworthy has expressed skepticism about the fund, calling for congressional oversight and scrutiny regarding its execution and distribution.