Trump Plans Massive Federal Funding Cuts for California/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Trump administration is preparing sweeping cuts to federal funding for California, potentially beginning Friday. The plan targets research and infrastructure grants, heightening tensions between President Trump and the Democratic-led state.
Trump’s California Funding Cuts Quick Looks
- Trump administration prepares to cancel federal grants to California, possibly starting Friday.
- Federal agencies instructed to identify California-specific funding that could be withheld.
- One whistleblower claims all research grants may be eliminated.
- Trump previously slashed flood prevention funds, criticized wildfire response.
- Higher education expected to face serious impacts.
- Rep. Darrell Issa says universities fear funding loss but must justify individual grants.
- Move aligns with Trump’s broader strategy to punish states resisting federal directives.
Deep Look: Trump Eyes Major Federal Funding Cuts to California, Sources Say
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump’s administration is finalizing plans to cancel large portions of federal funding directed to California, with the effort potentially beginning as soon as Friday, according to multiple sources familiar with the internal discussions.
Federal agencies have been directed to identify grants and funding programs that can be withheld from the Democratic-led state, representing a dramatic escalation in Trump’s long-running political feud with California. One whistleblower told Congress that all research grants to the state may be revoked, raising alarm among educators and lawmakers.
A Pattern of Retaliation
This isn’t the first time Trump has attempted to use federal dollars as leverage over California. In recent months, the administration:
- Threatened to withhold funds after a transgender athlete participated in a state-sanctioned sporting event.
- Eliminated $126.4 million in flood mitigation funding tied to infrastructure improvement projects.
- Publicly rebuked California’s wildfire response, despite the state requesting additional support.
Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom have clashed for years, symbolizing the broader ideological rift between the White House and blue states. These tensions have often played out through budget decisions and federal oversight.
Higher Education in the Crosshairs
One of the most vulnerable sectors in this potential funding rollback is higher education. Federal research grants represent a vital funding stream for California universities, and any large-scale cuts could have immediate academic and economic consequences.
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), while unaware of the imminent cancellations, acknowledged that concerns are mounting.
“Every university, every research organization — pretty much I saw them passing through here the last two days,” Issa told CNN.
Issa said he urged those institutions to provide specific justifications for their grants, warning against blanket opposition to all cuts.
“We’re going to advocate for essentials,” Issa said. “But I sent them back and said come to me with specifics… I’m not going to advocate for no cuts. You just get more money every year — that’s how we got in this problem.”
Political Fallout and Strategic Motives
While the full scope of the planned cuts remains unclear, the move reflects Trump’s broader tactic of using federal funding to influence state behavior. By focusing on California — a state that has frequently resisted his policies on immigration, climate, and education — the president is sending a clear political message.
Critics argue this approach weaponizes federal dollars against constituents who rely on services and research programs that transcend politics. Universities, in particular, are warning of major disruptions to scientific progress, health research, and job creation if key grants disappear.
Sources close to the matter say some agencies are reviewing funding portfolios line-by-line in anticipation of Friday’s rollout, while legal teams evaluate the risk of lawsuits and legislative blowback.
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