The Trump administration is contemplating a reduction in federal education funding for California, reflecting the growing friction between the White House and Governor Gavin Newsom. This consideration follows a series of actions taken by the administration, including the deployment of military personnel to address protests in Los Angeles.
The protests in Los Angeles, which have involved thousands of National Guard troops and U.S. Marines, are in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. Demonstrations have disrupted city freeways, and police vehicles have been damaged. Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have requested the president to reverse the order and return control of the National Guard to the state.
According to reports, the Education Department may halt the distribution of "formula funds" to California due to Governor Newsom's actions. These federal funds are allocated to schools and school districts based on a predetermined formula to support educational initiatives. The annual federal funding for California's public schools amounts to $8 billion, with a portion dedicated to programs for students with disabilities and those from low-income backgrounds.
A White House spokesperson stated that the administration is committed to addressing what they perceive as detrimental policies in California. However, no final decisions have been made regarding potential future actions. This isn't the first time the president has threatened to withhold federal funds from California.
Previously, during California's wildfire season, the president threatened to withhold disaster funds unless the state altered its water policies. Additionally, there was a threat to withhold funds if a transgender athlete participated in a girls' track meet. The Los Angeles protests are largely a reaction to immigration raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the area, where a significant number of undocumented individuals reside.
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