Escalating Tensions Between Newsom and Bessent
The ongoing clash between Governor Gavin Newsom and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent intensified on Thursday regarding Newsom’s plan to impose a 100% tax on President Trump’s $1.776 billion fund aimed at compensating individuals affected by alleged misuse of governmental power.
During a White House briefing, Bessent was asked for his take on Newsom’s controversial tax proposal. In response, he remarked, “There is no cure for stupidity,” before promptly exiting the podium.
This blunt comment sent shockwaves through Newsom’s press team, leading to reports that Bessent had abruptly concluded the press conference, fueled by Newsom’s tax declaration regarding these so-called “slush funds.”
Individuals who believe they’ve been unjustly targeted by the government, including those involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, are eligible to request payments from the fund.
In a twist, Newsom’s campaign then posted a pointed message about Bessent’s former residence in Charleston, South Carolina. The message read, “Scott Bessent doesn’t like my ‘J6 secret fund tax’ (make them pay!) so I’m considering taxing his ugly pink mansion! The people have suffered long enough.”
The statement escalated to declare, “This is a public nuisance! Tax 100% to pay for the J6 cop beater and his ugly pink mansion!”
Bessent, by the way, sold that historic mansion last year for a whopping $18.25 million.
After all, this Anti-Government Weaponization Fund was established to help settle Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS.
Newsom has been vocal in calling for a state tax on any funds dispensed within California, emphasizing that it would unfairly penalize those convicted of violent offenses if distributed this way.
“We aim to tax those benefiting from these funds at 100% on their earnings,” he stated, asserting that this was a feasible move for the state.
This back-and-forth isn’t new; Bessent and Newsom have a well-documented history of exchanging barbs. Just earlier this year, Bessent labeled Newsom a “financially illiterate Ken doll,” while Newsom retorted by branding Bessent as “self-righteous” and “out of line.”
