California Governor Calls Trump's Fine on UC 'Extortion'

California Governor Gavin Newsom has denounced the Trump administration's demand that the University of California (UC) system pay a one-billion-dollar fine, calling it political extortion.

The demand is linked to protests against the war in Israel in the Gaza Strip, with UCLA being a focal point. Newsom accused Trump of using the Justice Department to pressure the university system by freezing research funding.

The Trump administration has attacked universities, accusing them of antisemitism. UC stated that paying the amount would be devastating. In 2024, protests occurred at UCLA, which agreed to pay over $6 million to settle an antisemitism lawsuit.

Human rights organizations have recorded an increase in antisemitism and Islamophobia. Trump has escalated pressure on universities, freezing grants. Similar agreements were made with Columbia and Brown.

Observers warn of a 'disastrous precedent' and an 'authoritarian' attack on higher education.