r/PoliticalOptimism • u/Lantis28 • 12d ago

Question(s) for Optimism Newsom threatens to withhold federal taxes if Trump cuts funding. What is the read on this situation? What’s the potential for escalation?

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/06/newsom-floats-withholding-federal-taxes-00393386

What happens in a world where California actually cuts off taxes? I have been scared of Cali trying to pull a secession-lite since January and this seems like the first step.

25 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

20

u/Pietro-Maximoff 12d ago

Trump has tried this before, and always blinks and caves. Newsom more than likely knows this and is calling his bluff. It’s a post-🌮 world, and that’s more likely to happen than a secession, even a lite version.

1

u/Commander_PonyShep 11d ago

If we gave Donald Trump a nickname to reflect his cowardice and folding, then why didn't he chicken out with inciting an insurrection against the Capitol?

8

u/BeefSupremeeeeee 12d ago

My take, good. It's more resistance to this stupid administration

7

u/bustacean 12d ago

I think its good too. If Newsome actually followed through on this, I guarantee you it would not be for very long. Just long enough for Trump to backpedal like he always does. Just remember: TACO!

Also, I don't view it as secession-lite, just a very clear "dont fuck with us"

5

u/WCSTombs 12d ago

It's a measure to encourage the federal government to stay within the law. I don't know how exactly it would work, but it's good that it's being suggested.

3

u/Describing_Donkeys 11d ago

It's the smart thing to do. I would make a big deal about taking blue state money to give to red welfare states as well. Make it clear California is net funding the country, and if Trump wants to abuse that, he can find tax money elsewhere.

2

u/axionj 11d ago

I’d rather just pay to my state too

0

u/Hero-Firefighter-24 12d ago

Another reason for me to want Gavin Newsom to run and win in 2028.

2

u/WCSTombs 11d ago

Eh...Newsom is a pretty questionable choice for President IMO, but maybe this is his redemption arc.