California Governor Gavin Newsom strongly criticized President Donald Trump’s $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” describing the program as a “criminal enterprise” during an interview with Pablo Manríquez of the MeidasTouch network in Washington, D.C. Newsom said, “It’s not just corruption, it’s not just graft, it’s a full-on criminal enterprise and it needs to be shut down.”
Purpose and Oversight
The fund, unveiled by the Justice Department this week, was established as part of a settlement resolving Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax returns.
Under the agreement, Trump will receive a formal apology but no direct monetary payment. Meanwhile, the fund is intended to compensate individuals who claim they were targeted by the federal government for “political, personal, or ideological reasons.”
The DOJ confirmed that the fund will be administered by a five-member commission and financed through the federal Judgment Fund, which is typically used to resolve claims against the government.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the initiative, stating, “the machinery of government should never be weaponized against any American.”
Concerns Over Misuse
Critics argue that the program could act as a taxpayer-funded reward system for Trump allies, including those prosecuted over the January 6 Capitol attack.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton commented on X that Trump “didn’t just pardon his followers who stormed the U.S. Capitol,” but has now “set them up for payments through a slush fund he created to reward his allies, out of your tax dollars.”
Several Trump supporters, including convicted January 6 defendants, fake electors, and election deniers, are reportedly considering applying. Convicted rioter Dominic Box said, “I look forward to financial compensation. I need it.” MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell also expressed expectations of compensation, claiming his company suffered due to what he views as political targeting.
Trump’s Defense and Political Implications
Trump defended the fund, stating that individuals connected to January 6 and other investigations were “horribly treated” and deserve reimbursement for legal expenses and other damages.
Newsom’s comments come amid growing speculation about his potential national political ambitions.
A recent poll conducted by FairVote and SurveyUSA showed Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris leading early Democratic ranked-choice voting simulations for the 2028 presidential election.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s criticism underscores concerns about the ethical and financial implications of Trump’s Anti-Weaponization Fund.
While designed to reimburse people claiming federal targeting, the program has drawn accusations of benefiting political allies and creating a potential misuse of taxpayer money.
The debate continues as Newsom weighs his national political future and the fund remains a controversial topic.
