Overview
- Multiple federal agencies have been instructed to identify grants to withhold from California, with university research funding seen as a prime target
- White House spokesman Kush Desai said no final decisions on funding cuts have been made and labeled reports of imminent action as speculation
- Governor Gavin Newsom responded by suggesting California could withhold more than $80 billion in annual federal tax payments
- State Senator Scott Wiener and members of California’s congressional delegation have announced plans to mount court challenges against any funding reductions
- California’s higher education, healthcare services and K-12 schools depend heavily on federal grants, leaving key programs vulnerable if funds are cut