Scott Bessent blasts Newsom’s tax on anti-weaponization fund California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a 100% tax on any Californian who accepts funds from the nearly $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund.” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent responded to the threat by stating, “There is no cure for stupid.” This fund, announced by the Justice Department, could compensate Jan. 6 Capitol riot defendants as part of a settlement from a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump.

• California Governor Gavin Newsom plans to tax any Californian who accepts money from the nearly $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” at 100%.
• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent dismissed Newsom’s threat, stating, “There is no cure for stupid.”
• The “anti-weaponization fund” is intended to compensate Jan. 6 Capitol riot defendants.
• The fund has drawn bipartisan criticism, with some calling it a “slush fund” and others concerned about payouts to individuals who assaulted police officers.
• Legislation has been introduced to eliminate the fund.