Meghan Markle’s recent social media activity has started a debate across the Atlantic, showing the clear difference in how people reacted to her viral twerking video celebrating Princess Lilibet’s fourth birthday.

The video, which showed Markle and Prince Harry dancing in a maternity ward, got an incredible 40.7 million views in just a few days. This was much higher than the 27.7 million views her lifestyle brand, As Ever, got over 15 weeks when it was announced.

According to GB News, Markle’s team sees the video as a huge success, especially in the United States and among younger people, as a major win. They believe the high level of online interaction directly leads to more people knowing about the brand and possibly buying from As Ever. The strategy clearly focused on reaching a Gen Z audience that loves viral moments, a group that’s very important for the brand’s growth.

The decision to focus on the American market instead of the UK shows a careful choice to prioritize places where the video was seen much more positively. While the video got a more reserved, even critical, response in the UK, where some called it “prudish,” the reaction in the US was very different. American audiences, especially younger ones, found the video funny and easy to relate to.

Meghan Markle’s viral video seems to have gone her way

Markle’s seeming lack of concern about the UK’s negative response further proves this strategic approach. Her team points out that the criticism from British royal fans matters less compared to the positive engagement in the American market, where the brand’s main audience is. The possible financial gains from the video’s popularity are more important than the complaints from British critics. The team sees the UK’s criticism as something like a soap opera, which is a dramatic side note compared to the big success.

The huge jump in engagement compared to past posts also shows how effective the video was as a strategy. The massive number of views suggests a well-planned effort to create a viral moment that would greatly increase brand awareness. The difference in views between the twerking video and the As Ever brand announcement makes it clear that the video had a much bigger impact in a much shorter time.

While it seems like Meghan couldn’t catch a break before, this seems to be one way she avoided looking ridiculous. After the twerking video was released, Markle shared another social media post showing a family trip to Disneyland. This post had a very different tone, focusing on a more traditional, family-friendly style. The video included Prince Harry and their children, Archie and Lilibet, while carefully hiding the kids’ faces to protect their privacy.

Former Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger has issued a dire warning amid swirling speculation that Donald Trump might invoke the centuries-old Insurrection Act.

The uproar began in Los Angeles when federal immigration authorities launched a series of high-profile raids across the city. These operations, targeting undocumented immigrants, were conducted in areas with significant Latino populations, including Paramount and the Fashion District. Over 100 individuals have reportedly been detained, and the raids have left communities reeling.

Things escalated when protests broke out in response to these actions, with tensions boiling over near a Home Depot south of Los Angeles. Federal agents in riot gear faced off against angry protesters, who hurled rocks, cement chunks, and other projectiles. In retaliation, the agents deployed tear gas, flash-bang grenades, and pepper balls, resulting in a chaotic scene of smoke, shouting, and scattered fires in the streets.

As the clashes intensified, California Governor Gavin Newsom stepped in, denouncing the federal government’s actions as “inflammatory” and accusing them of deliberately provoking unrest. Newsom, a Democrat, urged protesters to remain peaceful, warning that any escalation would only “play into the hands” of those seeking to sow division. But his calls for calm have done little to quell the unrest — or the speculation about Trump’s next move.

Signed into law in 1807, the Insurrection Act grants the president the authority to deploy military forces domestically in cases of rebellion, insurrection, or obstruction of federal law. But here’s the catch: it’s a tool of last resort, meant for moments when all other mechanisms of maintaining order have failed. Historically, it’s been invoked in extraordinary circumstances, such as enforcing desegregation in the South during the Civil Rights Movement or responding to the 1992 Los Angeles riots.

Using the Insurrection Act to suppress protests, however, would be a controversial move, especially in a case like this where local and state officials — including Governor Newsom—are actively opposing federal intervention.  What’s really at stake here isn’t just the situation in Los Angeles — it’s the precedent this sets.

If Trump can invoke the Insurrection Act to quell protests in one city, what’s stopping him from doing the same elsewhere? And what does this mean for the future of American democracy? Are we really okay with the idea of a president using military force to suppress dissent? Because make no mistake: that’s what this is about. It’s not about “restoring order” or “enforcing the law.” It’s about control.

Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe, who may run for president in the 2026 elections, is in critical condition after being shot during a campaign event in Bogotá. This attack took place in a public park in the Fontibón neighborhood.

Uribe, a 39-year-old member of the opposition conservative Democratic Center party, was speaking to his ers when he was shot from behind. Videos shared on social media show him bleeding from a head injury before he was quickly taken to Santa Fe Foundation hospital. His wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, said he is “fighting for his life,” highlighting the seriousness of his condition. According to Reuters, the hospital has confirmed that he underwent surgery.

Authorities swiftly arrested a suspect: a minor under 15 years old who had a 9mm Glock pistol in his possession. While the Attorney General’s office confirmed this arrest, the investigation is mainly focused on finding out who ordered the attack. As reported by NPR, the government is offering a significant reward of around $730,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Colombian presidential candidate shot

President Gustavo Petro expressed sympathy for Uribe’s family while stressing the importance of the ongoing investigation to uncover all aspects of the incident. He acknowledged the arrest of the minor but pointed out that the focus must now be on identifying those who planned the shooting, stressing the current lack of solid evidence beyond mere speculation. There will also be an investigation into failures in security protocols.

This attack has led to strong international condemnation. The United States, represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, harshly criticized the attempted assassination and attributed the growing political tensions and violence to President Petro’s rhetoric. Other governments, including Spain and Venezuela, also issued statements denouncing the attack and expressed their .

The shooting of Uribe, a leading figure in the right-wing opposition and regarded as a protégé of former President Álvaro Uribe (who is not related), adds further complexity to Colombia’s already tense political situation. He has been a strong critic of President Petro and his policies, and his potential candidacy posed a significant challenge to the sitting president. Uribe’s candidacy would offer a more conservative viewpoint, which stands in stark contrast to Petro’s leftist agenda.

We have our share of controversies in the U.S. with Trump and Musk feuding and the Ukraine war, but it seems like issues are happening everywhere. This incident draws unsettling parallels to Colombia’s darker history, recalling the political violence of the late 1980s and early 1990s, a period characterized by the assassinations of prominent political figures amid rising tensions between leftist guerrillas, right-wing paramilitaries, and the government.

The attack has raised fears of a return to this troubling period of increased political instability, especially with presidential elections approaching. Political analysts and other presidential candidates have expressed concerns regarding the safety of candidates and the risk of further violence. Several candidates for president, including Vicky Dávila, have called for stronger security measures for candidates in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.

Being the monarch of a nation isn’t as glamorous as it sounds. Apparently, as the king, you have to swallow insults and derogatory comments about your family, even if it means unleashing your anger behind closed doors.

Over the years, Donald Trump has done a lot of sugarcoating to make amends with the Royal Family. He even defended Kate Middleton after the controversy over her photoshopped image amid her cancer revelation blew up and refused to die down. He gushed over Prince William’s handsomeness, proclaimed his love for King Charles, and whatnot. But will it all ever be enough to erase his lewd and disgusting comments about Kate and Princess Diana?

More than a decade ago, soon after William and Kate got married, intrusive paparazzi used a long-range lens to take pictures of the princess while she was sunbathing. This gross violation of privacy was widely bashed, but for Trump, Kate was the one to be blamed in the whole controversy. His comments, downright insulting, reportedly left the future queen feeling “violated” and William “furious” at the then-host of The Apprentice.

“Who wouldn’t take Kate’s picture and make lots of money if she does the nude sunbathing thing? Come on Kate!”

Though Charles seemingly remained silent about the whole affair, the walls of the palace witnessed his anger at the disrespect. As per the biography The King: The Life of Charles III, by Christopher Andersen (obtained by Newsweek), Trump’s comments “resulted in what one Clarence House butler referred to as ‘torrents of profanity’ from both Prince Charles and his sons.”

Charles was reportedly already harboring a very low opinion of Trump, post his disgusting remarks about Diana shortly after her death. In a 1997 interview on The Howard Stern Show, Trump explicitly said he “could’ve nailed” Princess Diana—but added that he’d have insisted she take an HIV test first.

While today the president has already visited the palace once – with the pending invitation for a second visit – during his first term, the king allegedly “burned up the phone lines between Clarence House and Kensington Palace” to stop him from coming to the U.K.

Now, it seems like it’s water under the bridge for Charles… or is it? Though it is his duty to stand with Canada as it fights threats of annexation from Trump, his speech was deemed too fiery by many, more as a declaration against the POTUS and his ambitions. Just a monarch doing his duty or the incensed head of the Royal family who is not a big believer in “forgive and forget?”

There are some photos that have surfaced that have brought Jennifer Garner’s relationship with John Miller and her co-parenting situation with Ben Affleck all into focus again.

Photos of the Alias star and John Miller kissing were published in various publications. Page Six has termed the photos as “ionate.” The two lovebirds were caught mid-smooch in a rare instance of PDA near Miller’s Los Angeles home. The kiss has started buzzing around the rumor mills not just because of the timing, but because it’s wildly out of character for the usually private Garner.

Since Ben Affleck got divorced from Jennifer Lopez, there’s been plenty of talk about who he might date next, but one rumor that just won’t die is the idea of Garner getting back with him. Something that could be… complicated, considering she’s co-parenting and emotionally spot-cleaning for the former Batman as he continues his struggle with singlehood. She’s been fairly clear that she’s moved on from their marriage and is in a happy relationship with businessman John Miller.

The kiss put a damper on the speculation that Garner might be considering being the next Jennifer who gets back together with him. That speculation really ramped up in March when photos of Ben Affleck hugging Garner at a family event went viral. The two share three kids and are famous enough that even their side hugs spark dating rumors and think pieces.

Reportedly, back in March when those pictures of Affleck and Garner came out, Miller gave Garner an ultimatum on their relationship. He was apparently not thrilled by the limbo that’s defined their dynamic and has reportedly been in an on-and-off relationship with Garner since 2018. Miller’s been fine with the co-parenting arrangement, but sources say Ben’s embrace of Garner was seen as stepping on toes.

Page Six claims that the picture is not just a photo but a public declaration of who she’s chosen. The publication sees this picture as a direct response to Miller’s reported ultimatum. Ben Affleck, on the other hand, would apparently be open to giving his relationship with Garner another chance if the timing were ever right, according to sources. Those same sources, however, also offered a dose of reality: even Ben knows it’s unlikely. He’s apparently focusing on his new chapter now — ideally one with fewer surprise paparazzi shots.

The three’s relationship is pretty complex. Sources also gave Garner’s much-needed perspective on the matter. Apparently, the actress does not feel the same way about her ex-husband. As the kiss suggests, she’s apparently pretty happy with Miller. Garner has a great co-parenting relationship with Ben and would very much like to keep it that way.

This time, the background reporting actually aligns with the little public evidence that exists. The life of public figures is one long tightrope walk — every single decision and lapse is recorded and analyzed, not just by the public but even by the people closest to them. It’s good that Jennifer Garner has finally decided to use that power with intentionality.

A fake bomb threat at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) on Thursday, June 5, 2025, caused a six-hour delay for Spirit Airlines flight 2145 heading to Los Angeles and led to a large security response from the TSA. The situation began after 23-year-old Charles Robinson, who had missed his flight, reportedly called Spirit Airlines and claimed there was a possible bomb threat.

As reported by People, Robinson, who had been told at the gate that he needed to rebook his flight, called Spirit Airlines around 6:25 AM. He said he had information about someone planning to set off a bomb on flight 2145. He described this person, saying they would try to sneak the bomb past TSA checkpoints without being caught. His statement led to an immediate reaction from airport officials.

The threat set off a major security operation. Flight 2145, which had already left the gate and was moving toward the runway, was brought back to a secure area away from the terminal. All engers and crew were safely taken off the plane and brought back to the terminal. Bomb-sniffing dogs and FBI agents were sent to carefully search the plane and the surrounding areas.

TSA calls bomb dogs to search plane after bomb threat

The thorough search found no explosives. While engers were kept in the terminal and had to go through security screening again, the FBI started an investigation to find out who made the threatening call. Using phone records, investigators quickly linked the call to Robinson. He was arrested later that evening when he came back to the airport trying to board another flight to Los Angeles.

During questioning, Robinson confessed to making the false bomb threat, clearly stating that he hoped the delay would give him enough time to catch his original flight instead of having to rebook. This ission was recorded in a court document.

Robinson was then charged with knowingly spreading false information about an explosive, which is a serious federal crime. He appeared in federal court and was released on bail while waiting for his next court date on June 27.

The incident caused major problems for engers. One enger, Joci Moore, spoke to CBS News about the experience, explaining how the initial delay was followed by a three-hour wait on the plane before everyone was allowed off. engers were then held in the terminal for another two hours before they could get back on the cleared plane.

This incident mirrors a previous event where an American Airlines flight to India received a bomb threat, leading to an emergency diversion to Rome. Similarly, TikToker Daniel Larson faced federal charges after making a series of bomb threats targeting various institutions, including the White House.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan released a statement criticizing Robinson’s actions, “No American wants to hear the words ‘bomb’ and ‘airplane’ in the same sentence. Making this kind of threat undermines our collective sense of security and wastes valuable law enforcement resources.”

Similarly, the FBI Detroit Field Office’s Special Agent in Charge, Cheyvoryea Gibson, said, “Anyone who threatens to bomb an aircraft and endanger public safety will be swiftly investigated and brought to justice.”

Actor Jason Biggs has spoken openly about his battle with cocaine addiction, describing a terrifying low point where he dug through a garbage can to recover drugs he had thrown away. The star of American Pie, who became famous early in his career thanks to the popular movie series, shared his story on the Well with Arielle Lorre podcast. He gave a clear and honest of how deep his addiction went and how hard it was to recover.

As found by Page Six, Biggs explained how he kept falling into the same pattern of using drugs, feeling regret, and then using again. He would tell himself he was taking his last line of cocaine, throw the rest away, and then, just minutes later, the craving would hit him so strongly that he would go back to retrieve what he had discarded.

This cycle hit its worst point when he actually climbed into his own trash bin to get the cocaine he had thrown out. He said, “One of my craziest stories was, I was doing cocaine by myself in my house, and I did what I said was the last line…. Within 15 minutes, as soon as my last bump is wearing off, I’m like, what am I doing? I go into my trash, and I take it out and I do a line.

Jason Biggs went to rock bottom before he sought help for drug problem

Biggs’ early rise to fame, thanks to American Pie (due for a reboot) when he was just 22 years old, played a big role in his addiction struggles. He found that being a celebrity made it easy to get drugs because people were willing to give him what he wanted. This easy access made his existing substance abuse problems worse and kept him trapped in a harmful cycle.

The mix of fame, money, and constant access to drugs created the perfect conditions for his addiction to grow. The actor also itted that he hid the full extent of his addiction from his wife, Jenny Mollen, during the early years of their relationship and marriage. While he didn’t go into detail about how he kept it secret, his confession makes it clear that he worked hard to appear normal while fighting his addiction in private.

This kind of behavior is common in severe addiction, showing how isolating it can be and how hard it is for people to it they need help. The lies and secrecy often come from a place of shame and fear as addicts try to shield themselves and their loved ones from the truth.

A major step in Biggs’ recovery came when he moved from Los Angeles to New York City, before talks of a fifth movie were happening. He believes that the change in surroundings and energy in New York helped him recover, though he its he still relapsed even after the move.

Ukrainian security services have released new video footage showing the bold “Spiderweb” operation, a series of drone strikes aimed at Russian military airfields far inside Russia. The footage demonstrates the use of drones controlled by artificial intelligence in what Ukrainian officials say was a highly effective attack causing major damage to Russia’s air force. President Donald Trump privately praised the operation, describing it as both ‘strong’ and ‘badass.’

The SBU, Ukraine’s primary counterintelligence agency, explained that the operation used “modern drone control technology, which mixes self-operating artificial intelligence systems with manual control by human operators.” While flying, the drones relied on AI to guide them to pre-set targets if they lost communication signals, automatically detonating their explosives upon hitting their targets.

The video shows Ukrainian drones successfully damaging engines, antennas, wings, and other key parts of various Russian aircraft at four different airfields located thousands of kilometers inside Russia. According to Politico, the SBU specifically named the damaged aircraft as A-50, Tu-95, Tu-22, Tu-160, An-12, and Il-78 planes.

Ukraine’s airstrike was more devastating than first thought

Independent experts and journalists, checking Ukrainian claims with satellite images, have confirmed that at least 11 strategic bombers were destroyed. The SBU calculates that the total cost of the damage to Russia’s air force exceeds $7 billion. According to the SBU, these airfields are often used by Russia to fire ballistic and cruise missiles at Ukrainian cities.

Successfully hitting these targets deals a major blow to Russia’s military strength and its ability to carry out long-range attacks inside Ukraine. The operation has received mixed reactions from both sides. The Russian Ministry of Defense played down the scale of the damage, saying only two locations, in the Irkutsk and Murmansk regions, had bombers damaged.

They also claimed that attacks on airfields in Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions were stopped, with no military or civilian casualties reported. Russian officials are treating the incident as a terrorist act and are investigating. On the other hand, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the operation, saying at a press conference that the “Spiderweb” strikes destroyed 41 Russian aircraft, half of which cannot be fixed, while the rest will need years of repairs if they can ever be fully restored.

He stressed that these were valid military targets and that such operations were necessary to counter Russian aggression. Zelenskyy also connected the operation to ongoing ceasefire talks, saying the attacks would not have happened had Moscow accepted Ukraine’s earlier unconditional ceasefire proposal. He stated, “wanting a ceasefire doesn’t mean we do nothing in the meantime.”

The daring nature of the “Spiderweb” operation has attracted global attention. While some applaud Ukraine for its creative use of technology and for changing modern warfare tactics, others have raised concerns. U.S. Special Envoy on Ukraine Keith Kellogg expressed worry about the strategic risks of such attacks, saying that striking an opponent’s nuclear-capable forces could lead to unpredictable escalation. He pointed out the uncertainty of Russia’s reaction and the possibility of increased tensions because of such bold moves.

A public fight between Elon Musk and Donald Trump has gotten worse, leading to a response from U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who shared his worries about the possible harm to both men and the country. Vance told podcaster Theo Von that Musk’s criticisms of Trump were a “huge mistake,” showing he believes the conflict is bad for everyone involved, including the nation.

According to Politico, Vance said, “I’m always going to be loyal to the President, and I hope that eventually Elon comes back into the fold. Maybe that’s not possible now because he’s gone so nuclear.”

Vance’s comments showed his concern for the country’s well-being. He argued that the fight between two influential figures was not only hurting their own reputations but also not helping the nation. He said that while people have the right to disagree, the current level of hostility was causing unnecessary harm. He believed that if Musk had just “calmed down,” things could have improved, and a solution might have been possible.

JD Vance wants peace between Trump and Musk

The disagreement started when Musk openly opposed a spending bill ed by Trump, which Musk said would make the national deficit worse. This argument quickly turned into a public back-and-forth, with Musk posting several messages on social media. Some of these posts accused Trump of having ties to the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a claim Musk later removed but still hinted at in other posts. Trump fired back with his own attacks on Musk, threatening to affect Musk’s government contracts and even questioning his mental health.

The Vice President said that even though he disagrees with Musk on some issues and s Trump, he doesn’t think Musk has to agree with everything the President says or does. He stressed the importance of respect and better communication, suggesting that finding common ground and avoiding pointless fights would help everyone involved.

The situation shows a deeper split within the Republican Party, with many defending Trump. Vance’s public statement adds to this, reinforcing his for the President and his worry about the worsening public feud. This division has become more complicated because some Republicans who originally backed Trump’s spending bill have since changed their minds. The ongoing conflict highlights the tricky politics of the moment and the huge influence both Trump and Musk have.

The Hills star Kristin Cavallari has come a long way since her disappointing childhood, which was severely impacted by the whims of her “narcissistic” father. But even though she has healed and years have ed since she let even the shadow of the man grace her life, she still re what forced her to cut out her father from her life.

Just days ago, Cavallari had confessed that she had been waiting decades to cut out her father from her life. Following up on the ission, the actress revealed to Page Six that she suffered under a narcissitic father in her childhood and even as an adult, but what finally pushed her to snap off all ties was what he did to her children – Camden (12), Jaxon (11), and Saylor (9).

“He’s crossed the line with my kids, and those are dealbreakers for me.”

While she didn’t elaborate on what exactly happened, she added that those who are close to Cavallari are aware of what her dad did as well as the dynamics of their relationship. Unlike “people on the internet” who advise her to “really try” to fix her and her father’s relationship, her close ones understand that making amends was never an option. To the outsiders, trying to teach her the finer points of what made her life the way it is and forcing her to reconcile with her father, she has only one answer – “No, he’s out of my life forever.”

What made his actions against her children even more unforgivable was his refusal to take ability. 

“Like, if I hurt your feelings, and I come to you, you just want me to be like, ‘You know what? I am really sorry.’ Not be like, ‘Well, here’s why I did it.’ I don’t want you to defend yourself; just tell me you’re sorry and acknowledge it. It’s really difficult for a lot of people.”

Since her father “crossed a boundary” and point blank denied owning up to it, the Laguna Beach star 38, added, “And when you cross a boundary like my dad did and you can’t just take some ability, well, I can’t have you in my life then.”

In a prior chat with People, the actress had acknowledged that while her decision may sound “messed up” to some people, cutting her dad out of her life was the best decision she ever made.

“Such a weight has been lifted from me,” she continued. “There’s not one day where I miss him. I don’t know if it was two or three years ago, but I mean, I was an adult, let’s say I was 35. It was 35 years of buildup to that point.”

Cavallari has been estranged from her father, Dennis Cavallari, since around 2021 and has no plans of giving in to societal demands of loving thy parents no matter how much they have hurt or traumatized their child.

The alliance between tech titan Elon Musk and President Donald Trump seems all but irreparable now, but there have been reports suggesting that behind the scenes, efforts are underway to revive their marriage of convenience.

The policy that became the flashpoint between the two was the now-infamous “one big beautiful bill.” The bill is bloated at over 1,000 pages, with even Republicans who voted yes itting—perhaps to their own detriment — that they were unable to fully go through the entire document. The bill promises to cut taxes by kicking Americans off Medicaid, but it was the idea of a potential increase in the budget deficit that truly sent Elon Musk off the ledge.

The bill may have adverse effects on everyday people, but for the richest man in the world, that can’t be the root of his problem with it. As of now, it seems his issue could be that many of his businesses have adjustable interest rates, which would certainly balloon if the budget deficit grows. So this is far from just another case of two rich, famous guys arguing. Elon Musk has a lot at stake too.

The Financial Times reports that this disagreement between the two has the potential to “wreck” the warm relationship Silicon Valley has enjoyed with Washington thus far. So, as one might expect, allies from both camps have been stepping in to limit the damage.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz was the first to go on record, telling the publication, “A lot of conservatives are feeling like this is not good. Let’s hug and make up.”

A hedge fund manager with deep ties in Silicon Valley has also been urging Trump and Elon to “make peace.” Reportedly, Musk has responded positively to that plea and has even deleted his disputed allegations about Trump being named in the Epstein files.

Trump, meanwhile, has been dismissive, backhandedly wishing Elon Musk “gets better,” while suggesting that the two might not be speaking for a while. But ever the petty merchant, Trump has apparently planned to sell the Tesla he bought from Musk in March — originally to show to the former “first buddy.”

The reactions in Silicon Valley are reportedly a mix of panic and pandemonium. Apparently, Elon Musk is not taking calls from anyone in the Valley. Another source shared that with Musk’s large campaign contribution — reportedly close to $300 million — they expected a business boom that didn’t quite happen, and are now instead dealing with a financial crunch. It seems many Silicon Valley titans invested in the Trump campaign through Musk, and now they’re reportedly asking for “the markets to open.” Likely a reference to Trump needing to sort out his tariff issue, quickly.

Reportedly, the bill has also caused cracks within Silicon Valley itself, with some tech executives now publicly ing social programs like Medicaid. A former Tesla president even went on record saying he doesn’t want a tax break that badly.

President Trump has already started a purge of Musk allies from his istration, with names like Jared Isaacman and David Sacks reportedly being considered for removal from their various roles. Despite the behind-the-scenes efforts — and all the people who will be affected by this messy public breakup — Trump is reportedly already looking ahead.

OpenAI’s Sam Altman is now being eyed as Trump’s new tech point man.

The growing tension between California and the federal government has reached fever pitch, with Governor Gavin Newsom going on record to say he’s even considering withholding tax payments from the state.

President Trump is reportedly weighing “large-scale” funding cancellations in California. According to POLITICO, the Trump istration isn’t acting in a vacuum — it’s using federal funding as a leveraging tactic. We’ve already seen this tactic in play with how Trump treated PBS and Harvard University.

But now, Trump has expanded the scope. There’s talk of a potential full termination of federal grants to all universities in California. Research funding, student aid — all of it could be affected by this latest move. And this isn’t out of the blue. Trump is reportedly using the potential cuts to pressure the state over laws — particularly those regarding trans athletes. But Newsom isn’t rolling over. In fact, he issued a biting response.

He took to Trump’s frenemy’s site, X, and gave Trump yet another thing to worry about. Newsom suggested that California could withhold tens of billions of dollars in taxes. The governor cited research from the Rockefeller Institute, which shows that California pays far more in federal taxes than it gets back — what’s formally called a “donor state.” Reportedly, in 2022, California paid $83 billion more to the federal government than it got in return. On X, Newsom boldly suggested, “maybe it’s time we cut that off.”

Californians pay the bills for the federal government.

We pay over $80 BILLION more in taxes than we get back.

Maybe it’s time to cut that off, @realDonaldTrump. pic.twitter.com/lwFHFSgSyJ

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 6, 2025

Federal taxes are mostly collected through the IRS from individuals and corporations — they don’t simply flow from the state in a way that Newsom could just cut off directly, as he made it seem. So this should probably be read as Newsom making a strong political statement. He’s been very clear about his intent to stand up to an increasingly chaotic president. This is, above all else, about the message.

The White House apparently heard the threat. When asked about Newsom’s comments and the plan to cut off funding to California, officials said that no final decisions had been made. However, the White House did take the opportunity to criticize the state’s policies — calling them anti-energy, pro-sanctuary, soft on crime, and pro–child mutilation. They labeled California a “nightmare” and reiterated their goal of forcing the state to realize the “Californian dream.”

Gavin Newsom’s name has been floated as a presidential hopeful. This show of strength — standing up to MAGA and forcing a retreat — could certainly bolster his national appeal. Still, it’s worth noting that Newsom has been pragmatic in his dealings with the Trump istration. While the public may focus on the sparring and theater, behind the scenes it’s a different story. Newsom has reached out to the White House during crises — including the LA fires — and has actively worked with them to help maintain Hollywood as the epicenter of the film industry.

They clash over policies, disagree on tariffs, cooperate during disasters, and negotiate when industry is on the line. It’s messy — but also, politics as usual. Newsom may not be perfect, but he’s showing Democrats a strong and strategic approach to dealing with Trump.