Governor Newsom threatens to cut funding to universities that align with Trump

(FOX40.COM)- Governor Gavin Newsom signed two bills at UC Berkeley today aimed at boosting California’s investment in new and emerging technologies.

One of the bills focuses on developing a strategy to grow California’s quantum tech economy, while the other allocates $5 million for research into fusion energy, a carbon-free energy source.

“America’s coming attraction. We are in the future business,” said Governor Newsom, emphasizing the importance of technological advancement for the state. The new funding could support research at any California public universities, highlighting the state’s commitment to leading in technological innovation.

Newsom’s announcement follows his recent statement threatening to withhold state funding from universities that comply with President Donald Trump’s ‘Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.’

The compact, proposed by Trump, includes demands such as reducing international student enrollment and aligning with his views on gender identity.

Republican State Senator Tony Strickland criticized Newsom, suggesting his actions are politically motivated.

In response, a White House spokesperson described Trump’s compact as ‘common sense,’ urging universities to sign on.

The bills signed by Newsom represent a significant step towards advancing California’s role in cutting-edge technology, while his stance against Trump’s compact underscores ongoing political tensions.

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