(Image Credit: IMAGN) President Donald Trump speaks on the environment at and event at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, in Jupiter, Florida. (Greg Lovett /palmbeachpost.com]
Washington D.C. – The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to cancel a significant portion of federal funding to California, with actions potentially starting as early as this Friday, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. Trump has instructed federal agencies to identify grants that can be withheld from the state, signaling a significant escalation in the ongoing tension between the administration and California’s Democratic leadership.
Sources indicate that all research grants to California could be targeted, a development that has already raised alarms on Capitol Hill. A whistleblower recently informed at least one congressional committee that the administration intends to eliminate these grants, highlighting the seriousness of the planned funding cuts. CNN has reached out to the White House for comment but has not yet received a response.
President Donald Trump has frequently singled out California, often framing the state as a political adversary. His administration has taken multiple steps in recent months to withhold funds or use federal money as leverage to advance policy priorities. Last month, Trump threatened to pull federal funding over the participation of a transgender athlete in a sporting event, and the administration also recently cut $126.4 million in flood prevention funding. Throughout this year, Trump has publicly criticized California’s management of wildfire disasters, further deepening the rift with state officials. The ongoing feud between the president and Governor Gavin Newsom remains a central dynamic in these disputes.
The looming cuts could severely affect higher education institutions in California, where research funding plays a vital role. Republican Representative Darrell Issa, who represents parts of California, said he was unaware of the immediate cancellation plans but acknowledged growing concerns among university officials he recently met with.
As the administration moves forward with its plan, the consequences for California’s research and educational institutions remain uncertain, with the potential for significant disruption across sectors reliant on federal support.
