Newsom Threatens Immediate Funding Cuts for California Universities Complying with Trump’s Policy Demands

California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a stark warning to the state’s universities: comply with new conservative policies proposed by the Trump administration, and face immediate cuts to state funding. The ultimatum comes after the Trump administration sent letters to nine top national schools Thursday, urging them to adopt specific stances on issues like transgender students, free speech, and student discipline in exchange for federal funding.

The University of Southern California (USC) was the sole California institution on the initial list to receive such a demand. USC officials confirmed they are currently reviewing the letter.

In a statement mirroring former President Trump’s social media style, Newsom declared, “CALIFORNIA WILL NOT BANKROLL SCHOOLS THAT SELL OUT THEIR STUDENTS, PROFESSORS, RESEARCHERS, AND SURRENDER ACADEMIC FREEDOM.” He specifically highlighted the potential loss of state-funded scholarships, known as Cal Grants, for any university signing what he termed the “RADICAL AGREEMENT.”

This move marks the latest escalation in the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape higher education, which has included investigations into alleged antisemitism at universities and attempts to withhold significant research funding. Newsom has condemned these tactics as “extortion,” asserting that while the UC system operates with some independence, he possesses “multiple mechanisms” to swiftly terminate funding for any institution that “bends the knee to Trump.” The current state budget allocates $45 billion to colleges and universities, with nearly $3 billion designated for Cal Grants, underscoring the significant financial leverage Newsom wields.

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