Donald Trump

California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks at a podium in front of a dark blue curtain, flanked by alternating U.S. and California state flags. The lighting highlights him in the center of the frame while the flags are partially shadowed.

Politics

Gavin Newsom changes his tune on running for president

Gov. Gavin Newsom long insisted that he had no interest in running for president, despite rampant speculation. Now he’s publicly acknowledging that it’s a possibility.

By Alexei Koseff • June 12, 2025

Resident Johnny Nielson walks through the DignityMoves tiny home village in downtown San Francisco, on Oct. 3, 2023. The program provides interim supportive housing to individuals experiencing homelessness. Photo by Loren Elliott for CalMatters

Homelessness

Federal DEI, ‘wokeness’ restrictions put California homeless providers in a bind

The largest source of federal homelessness grant dollars now includes restrictions on promoting DEI language and concerns.

By Ben Christopher and Marisa Kendall • June 12, 2025

A black-and-white historical photograph shows a large group of people—adults and children—standing along a railroad track, waving and saying goodbye. Many are holding handkerchiefs and appear emotional. The group includes women holding children and people of all ages dressed in 1930s attire. This image captures a moment of farewell during the era of Mexican repatriation in the United States.

Commentary

History suggests the GOP will pay a political price for its immigration tactics in California

Important lessons can be learned from mass removals of Latinos in U.S. history. Besides injuring vulnerable immigrants, the measures had political consequences in the long run, with some even benefiting immigrants.

By Kevin Johnson • June 11, 2025

The backs of two students in black football gear as they stand in the end zone of a high school football field. Other football players and staff can be seen in front of them.

K-12 Education

Trump wants to cut funding for California schools over one trans athlete. It’s not so easy

Trump is threatening to withhold funding from California over its policy toward transgender student athletes, but actually doing so could prove tricky for the president.

By Adam Echelman • June 11, 2025

Two individuals stand on an airport tarmac, engaged in an intense discussion. One person, wearing a dark button-up shirt, gestures emphatically while speaking. The other individual, dressed in a blazer and a cap with gold lettering, looks on attentively. A large aircraft and a clear blue sky serve as the backdrop, with microphones visible in the foreground.

Economy

Could California really withhold tax money from the U.S. if Trump cuts federal funds?

As the Trump administration considers cutting federal funds to California, Gov. Newsom and other officials suggest withholding taxes from the federal government.

By Levi Sumagaysay • June 11, 2025

The silhouette of a protester as they hold up a U.S.-Mexico flag in front of a small fire burning in the middle of a street during an evening protest.

Justice

72 hours in LA: Immigration sweeps, protests and a historic National Guard deployment

CalMatters photographers captured immigration sweeps and protests that led up to President Trump's deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles.

By CalMatters Visuals Team • June 10, 2025

Heavily armed officers in tactical gear and face coverings stand in a line with clear riot shields as protesters confront them in the street. Several protesters gesture and record the interaction with their phones. The scene unfolds in front of a building marked "ambiance" on a bright day.

Commentary

Trump, Newsom clash over LA protests and federal funding feeds their political interests

As President Donald Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom exchange unpleasantries over immigration and funding, they give each other opportunities to make overtures to their political bases.

By Dan Walters • June 10, 2025

Two individuals engage in a heated conversation outdoors. One, wearing a dark button-up shirt, gestures emphatically with a pointed finger, appearing animated. The other, wearing a blazer and a black cap with gold lettering, listens intently with a serious expression. A blurred, neutral-toned landscape serves as the background.

Politics

Newsom-Trump truce explodes as president deploys troops against his wishes

Tensions between Newsom and Trump escalated over the weekend, with the governor accusing the president of lying to him and overriding his authority.

By Alexei Koseff • June 9, 2025

A line of heavily armed federal officers in tactical gear stands on a city street during a protest. Some wear FBI patches and hold rifles, one of which has a neon green magazine. Yellow police tape marks the ground, and a barbed-wire fence and industrial building labeled "ambiance" are visible in the background. The officers face forward, maintaining a defensive posture.

Politics

With troops and protests, Trump’s feud with California moves to the streets of LA

President Trump's deployment of California National Guard soldiers in spite of Gov. Gavin Newsom's objections escalated tensions between the Republican administration and the Democratic state.

By Nigel Duara and Jeanne Kuang • June 9, 2025

A person in a dark blue suit with a purple tie stands at a podium with a mic while addressing reporters. The person is wearing an American flag pin on their lapel. In the background, a self of books can be seen along with an American flag.

Politics

Trump ignored Newsom in putting the National Guard in LA. That’s rare in US history

It's exceedingly rare for presidents to call up the National Guard in opposition to a governor's wishes, as President Trump did in deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • June 8, 2025