Donald Trump

A group of officials and staff walk down a roadway beside a high chain-link fence topped with razor wire outside a large facility, with parked cars and low hills in the background under bright afternoon sun.

Justice

San Diego County sues ICE after it blocked health inspection at detention center

San Diego County is suing the Trump administration for illegally blocking officials from inspecting ICE detention centers. There have been ‘alarming reports’ about unsafe conditions inside the centers.

By Wendy Fry • March 10, 2026

The top of a unidentifiable person's head as they stand in front of a voting booth. The person wears a black hat, red shirt and brown shorts.

Politics

Voter ID could be headed to the California ballot. Opponents plan to make it about Trump

A voter ID ballot initiative is gaining momentum in California as opponents aim to mount a campaign focused on President Donald Trump’s push for similar nationwide requirements.

By Nadia Lathan • March 10, 2026

Rows of while shipping containers sit idle while overlooking stacks of pink and red shipping containers nearby.

Economy

California, 23 other states sue Trump over new tariffs

The states argue that President Trump is incorrectly using a never-before-invoked law to put these tariffs in place.

By Levi Sumagaysay • March 5, 2026

Dr. Mathew Beare examines a patient's foot at a meeting area near the Kern River on March 16, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Health

Trump’s Medicaid work mandate could kick thousands of homeless Californians off coverage

A majority of California’s roughly 180,000 people experiencing homelessness have health insurance through Medi-Cal. Providers predict that many will lose insurance under President Donald Trump’s upcoming work mandates even if they qualify for exemptions.

By Kristen Hwang • March 5, 2026

A poster with information for students on using ChatGPT, an AI platform, in English teacher Jen Roberts' class at Point Loma High School in San Diego on May 3, 2024. Photo by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters

Education

A handful of California schools embraced Trump’s AI challenge. Many haven’t heard of it

California schools that are already running artificial intelligence programs have a head start in the Trump administration's AI challenge, but many campuses just aren't participating.

By Z. Waite • March 4, 2026

Illustration of three silhouetted figures standing at large airport windows holding suitcases, watching an airplane outside at sunset. Collaged documents and travel papers lie at their feet, including visible text referencing Japanese ancestry, suggesting a historical or migration theme.

Commentary

Trump’s war on immigrants repeats shameful chapter in America’s past

In the 1940s, U.S. politicians used racial prejudice and fear to justify deporting and detaining Japanese residents, including U.S. citizens. Today's playbook is similar.

By Evelyn Iritani • March 2, 2026

A roadside device mounted on a small trailer sits on the shoulder beside a two-lane road as a blurred van drives past, with utility poles, trees, and rocky hills in the background under a clear sky.

Justice

He saw an abandoned trailer. Then, he uncovered a surveillance network on California’s border

Southern California residents are noticing new license plate readers that appear to be operated by the Border Patrol. Some have had confusing encounters with agents.

By Wendy Fry and Khari Johnson • February 26, 2026

A crowd of protesters march outdoors holding signs reading messages such as “Killer ICE Off Our Streets,” “No Concentration Camps,” and “Due Process for All,” while several people at the front hold a large banner and chant.

Justice

Why these California counties are directly funding immigrant legal defense amid Trump’s crackdown

California has funded immigrant legal defense against deportation for a decade. Now, more cities and counties are kicking in money, too.

By Renée Bartlett-Webber • February 23, 2026

Rows of wooden wine barrels sit on metal racks inside a winery production room, surrounded by large stainless steel tanks, hoses, and industrial equipment.

Economy

U.S. Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s tariffs. Here’s how they’ve affected California

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that President Trump does not have the authority to impose broad tariffs under the emergency act he has cited. Tariffs have affected California ports, farms, businesses, workers and consumers.

By Levi Sumagaysay • February 20, 2026

A person in sunglasses and a red shirt holds up a sign that reads, “Immigrant Rights are Human Rights!,” while standing in a crowd holding more signs.

Justice

California expanding services for immigrants amid Trump’s deportation push

California continues to support legal defense for immigrants facing deportation despite a tight state budget and projections calling for deficits.

By Wendy Fry • February 20, 2026