California Gov Newsom vows to pull state funds for colleges in state that sign 'radical' Trump pact

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday issued a warning to colleges in the state thinking about signing compacts the Trump administration sent to elite schools, saying he would cut state funding for those that sign it.

The compacts, which were sent Wednesday, would require colleges to cap the enrollment of international students, freeze tuition for five years, and commit to the traditional definition of gender. It also includes a pledge to prohibit any punishment of conservative ideas.

The only California college that was offered the deal so far is the University of Southern California, but it was offered to a total of nine prestigious schools, including Brown University and Vanderbilt. USC is not part of the UC system, in which there are 10 campuses. 

“If any California university signs this radical agreement, they’ll lose billions in state funding – including Cal grants – instantly," Newsom said on X. "California will not bankroll schools that sell out their students, professors, researchers, and surrender academic freedom."

Schools that do not sign the compact will still be allowed to receive federal funding, but those that do sign it will have preferential treatment for federal grants.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.