White House Threatens to Cut BILLIONS in Aid to California — Showdown Between Trump & Newsom
The Josh Lafazan Show on YouTube - Episode 121
Welcome back to the Josh Lafazan Show. In today’s episode, we’re breaking down President Trump’s latest threat against the state of California and the broader implications for state’s rights in America. Trump has once again made headlines by threatening to withhold federal aid from California, reigniting tensions between the federal government and individual states in a way that should concern every American.
As reported by Politico, Trump took direct aim at California Governor Gavin Newsom, claiming that the state is violating his administration’s executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in girls' school sports. This latest controversy stems from the case of AB Hernandez, a 16-year-old athlete competing in high school championships across California. The president has pointed to this case as evidence that California is openly defying his February executive order, which demands that federal education funds be stripped from programs not aligned with the order's provisions.
Trump took to Truth Social to post: “THIS IS NOT FAIR, AND TOTALLY DEMEANING TO WOMEN AND GIRLS…Please be hereby advised that large scale Federal Funding will be held back, maybe permanently, if the Executive Order on this subject matter is not adhered to.” Oddly, Governor Newsom himself has reversed his prior stance on the issue, acknowledging the fairness concerns raised. Trump capitalized on this, posting: “The Governor, himself, said it is ‘UNFAIR.’ I will speak to him today to find out which way he wants to go???”
But this isn’t Trump’s first attack on California via federal funds. Just days into his second term, Trump demanded California implement voter ID laws and redirect Northern California water resources, threatening to withhold disaster aid meant to help victims of Los Angeles wildfires. That playbook has returned with a vengeance.
And it’s not just California in the crosshairs. States like Maine have already experienced federal pressure and lawsuits, with the Trump administration probing their education systems and cutting various forms of aid. Amanda Friedman reports that federal funding cuts now extend to USDA programs, Department of Justice lawsuits, and more.
To be clear, this episode is not about the contentious policy of transgender athlete participation — though I personally believe it’s unfair for trans girls to compete in girls' sports. This episode is about state sovereignty. Republicans have long claimed to be the party of state’s rights. They hailed the overturning of Roe v. Wade as a monumental victory for states to set their own laws. Yet those same lawmakers are now conspicuously silent as Trump tramples over state autonomy to enforce his political will.
This is weaponizing federal funding to punish political disagreement. Imagine a Democratic president withholding wildfire aid from Texas unless they changed their gun laws. There would be mass outrage. The precedent Trump is setting is dangerous. Federal aid, which comes from all taxpayers, should never be used as a political bargaining chip.
Let’s be clear: Trump’s executive order is not law. Congress has not passed legislation banning trans athletes from girls' sports. And yet, the president is acting unilaterally to impose his will on all 50 states. This is not just unconstitutional — it’s authoritarian.
Congress must act. If Republicans truly believe in limited government and state’s rights, now is the time to speak up. The longer they enable Trump’s abuses, the more they risk losing their credibility — and possibly the 2026 midterms. This isn't about athletics. It's about preserving the very fabric of American federalism.
Thanks for tuning in to the Josh Lafazan Show. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode if you believe in protecting states’ rights and stopping the politicization of disaster relief and federal aid.
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