California Governor Gavin Newsom has strongly opposed President Trump’s proposed university compact, which offers preferential federal funding to institutions agreeing to specific reforms. Newsom stated that any California university signing the compact would immediately lose billions in state funding, including Cal Grants. The compact, which targets nine universities initially, requires changes in hiring and admissions, neutrality on institutional practices, and other reforms. The Trump administration aims to use federal funding to compel universities to adopt these reforms, while Newsom aims to prevent California universities from adopting them.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that any California university accepting the Trump administration’s “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” would immediately lose state funding. The proposed compact, offered to select universities, mandates the closure of departments deemed hostile to conservative ideas, restricts international student enrollment, enforces a specific definition of gender, and bans the consideration of race or sex in hiring and admissions in exchange for federal grants. Newsom’s office characterized the compact as a “hostile takeover,” citing concerns about government-mandated ideology and the potential for academic freedom erosion. The compact, which includes stipulations such as tuition freezes and restrictions on political speech, would lead to a loss of billions of dollars in state funding, including Cal Grants, for any participating California university.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized President Donald Trump for continuing ballroom construction during a government shutdown. Newsom’s office shared an image of Trump with Marie Antoinette’s face, highlighting the contrast between the president’s lavish spending and potential cuts to public services. Despite the shutdown, a White House official confirmed that the $200 million expansion, privately funded by donors, will proceed. Companies like Google, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Palantir are reportedly contributing to the project.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom responded to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s new policy requiring physical fitness tests for military personnel, which would include height and weight requirements. Newsom took to social media to criticize the policy, using it as an opportunity to mock President Donald Trump’s physique. Newsom posted a photo of Trump and a satirical image from his press office, implying the president’s weight would disqualify him under the new military standards. The governor’s posts, including a reference to Trump’s fondness for fast food, quickly gained traction and highlighted the president’s reported height and weight discrepancies.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom responded to former President Trump’s proposal to impose tariffs on foreign-made movies with a succinct critique, characterizing it as “PAY MORE AND ENJOY NOTHING.” Trump’s plan, shared on Truth Social, cited the loss of American movie production to other countries, particularly criticizing California. This mirrors a similar proposal from May which caused stock market declines. While the impact of tariffs on foreign intellectual property remains uncertain, the proposal comes amidst economic concerns and rising consumer prices.
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Following a post from Governor Newsom’s press office labeling Stephen Miller a “fascist,” Republican Representative Derrick Francis Van Orden called for Newsom’s arrest, deeming the post “domestic terrorism” based on 18 U.S. Code § 2331. Van Orden’s critique cited the post’s alleged intent to influence government policy through intimidation. Ironically, the term “fascist” has been used by Miller himself to describe opponents and the Democratic party. Newsom’s office, however, has remained unyielding in its criticism.
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In response to a recent AI-generated video posted by Donald Trump promoting “Medbeds,” a QAnon conspiracy theory, California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the former president. The video, which was up for approximately twelve hours before being removed, featured a fabricated Fox News segment with an AI-generated clip of Trump. Newsom also highlighted Trump’s actions, including potentially shutting down the government and removing healthcare from millions. This incident occurred after Newsom himself used AI to counter a narrative about the government shutdown.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom recently expressed concern about the possibility of the U.S. not holding a presidential election in 2028, alleging that efforts by former President Donald Trump to influence redistricting in Republican-led states could undermine the democratic process. In response, Newsom signed a bill proposing a special election in California to allow lawmakers to temporarily control the drawing of congressional maps, a move intended to favor Democrats and counter perceived partisan gerrymandering. This proposal, known as the Election Rigging Response Act, has sparked controversy, with opponents arguing it constitutes gerrymandering itself, while supporters claim it is a necessary measure to protect voters. The proposal faces opposition from various groups, including former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed concerns about the future of democracy during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, accusing the Trump administration of attempting to “rig the midterm elections.” Newsom also criticized the politicization of the Centers for Disease Control and highlighted the upcoming special election on Prop. 50, a redistricting effort that could benefit California Democrats. His appearance coincided with his attendance at Climate Week in New York City and a meeting with former President Bill Clinton.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill prohibiting law enforcement, including ICE agents, from wearing masks. This law, which is likely to face legal challenges, aims to increase accountability and transparency by preventing masked agents from concealing their identities during raids. The bill was signed in Los Angeles, a city central to mass deportation protests. While ICE has previously stated masks are used to protect agents’ identities, President Trump defended their use, citing safety concerns.
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John Q. Hosedrinker