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

California Governor Gavin Newsom has denounced the Trump administration's demand that the University of California (UC) pay a one-billion-dollar fine as 'political extortion.' The demand is linked to protests against the war in Israel in the Gaza Strip.

University President James Milliken stated that he is reviewing the federal government's document outlining this demand. The UCLA campus is particularly targeted, having announced a freeze on $584 million in state aid.

Governor Newsom's press office stated via X that Donald Trump is using the Department of Justice to pressure the university system, freezing research funding.

The White House has not commented. Protesters and Jewish organizations accuse the Trump administration of equating criticism of the war in Gaza with anti-Semitism.

Experts express concerns about freedom of speech and academic freedom. The University of California emphasized that paying the amount would 'destroy' it.

In 2024, there were protests on California campuses, particularly at UCLA. The institution agreed to pay over $6 million to settle a lawsuit for anti-Semitism, while facing a lawsuit for attacking pro-Palestinian protesters.