Newsom needs to dial it back. He won’t win the White House this way.
And now Bessent Delivers blunt response to Gavin Newsom’s latest crazy idea.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent sharply dismissed California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to impose a 100% state tax on payments from President Trump’s $1.776 billion fund for victims of federal government weaponization. The fund compensates individuals who claim unfair targeting by government agencies.
When asked about Newsom’s announcement at a White House briefing, Bessent replied succinctly before stepping away from the podium:
“There’s no cure for stupid.”
The comment escalated the ongoing feud between the two, prompting a strong reaction from Newsom’s office.
Newsom’s Criticism and Fund Details
Newsom has labeled the compensation fund a “slush fund,” particularly criticizing potential payouts to those involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol events. He announced:
“Anyone from California that receives any of those funds, we want to tax 100% of those proceeds. And that’s an action the state of California can take — it’s an action we look forward to taking.”
Newsom’s team followed up on social media, targeting a former property owned by Bessent and stating:
“Since Scott Bessent does not like my ‘J6 Slush Fund Tax’ (make them pay!), I am now looking into taxing his ugly pink mansion! The public has suffered long enough. This is a public nuisance! 100% tax on payouts for J6 cop beaters and ugly pink mansions!”
Context of the Feud and Fund Origins
The compensation fund stems from a settlement resolving President Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS. Critics of Newsom’s tax proposal argue it represents political retaliation rather than sound fiscal policy, especially as the Trump administration continues delivering results on government accountability and economic growth.
Bessent and Newsom have a history of public exchanges, with prior barbs including Bessent calling Newsom an “economically illiterate Ken doll.”
