Scott Bessent mocks Gavin Newsom’s tax on Trump’s government weaponization fund with brutal five-word put-down
The conflict between California Governor Gavin Newsom and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent intensified over Newsom's proposed 100% tax on Trump's government weaponization fund. Bessent dismissed the tax with a blunt remark, which prompted a strong reaction from Newsom's team. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the two officials regarding fiscal policies and their public personas.
- ▪Gavin Newsom proposed a 100% tax on Trump's $1.776 billion fund for victims of government weaponization.
- ▪Scott Bessent mocked Newsom's tax proposal during a White House briefing, stating, 'There's no cure for stupid.'
- ▪Newsom's office retaliated by suggesting a tax on Bessent's former property, calling it a public nuisance.
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Politics Scott Bessent mocks Gavin Newsom’s tax on Trump’s government weaponization fund with brutal five-word put-down By Titus Wu Published May 28, 2026, 7:51 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The California Post on Google The feud between Gov. Gavin Newsom and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent escalated Thursday over Newsom’s proposed tax on Trump’s $1.776 billion fund to compensate victims of federal government weaponization. At a White House briefing Thursday, a reporter asked Bessent his thoughts on Newsom’s announcement of a 100% tax on the payments, which the governor has called a “slush fund.” Bessent was quick to reply, “There’s no cure for stupid” before leaving the podium.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at California Post.
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