Story perspectives

Trump Threatens Funding Cuts to Sanctuary Cities, Sparks Legal Battle

1/18/2026

Center

Trump Threatens Funding

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to cut federal funding to sanctuary cities starting February 1, risking billions for the Bay Area.
Trump argued that sanctuary cities protect criminals at the expense of American citizens.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta vowed to sue if funding cuts occur, while the White House has not clarified any directives.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee defended sanctuary policies, emphasizing their role in community trust.

Right

Newsom Defends Sanctuary

White House criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom after he retracted his staff's claim that an ICE shooting was state-sponsored terrorism.
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson called Newsom an "inauthentic slimeball" for his comments.
Newsom defended California's sanctuary policies on a Ben Shapiro podcast, saying California cooperates with ICE on violent criminals.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attributed rising violence against ICE officers to Democrats' rhetoric and noted increased assaults.

History

Historical Context

In 2017, the U.S. government escalated its opposition to sanctuary cities, with President Trump threatening to cut federal funding, which amounted to $1.5 billion for California. This conflict reflects ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement, highlighted by California's SB 54 law, which limits local cooperation with federal authorities. Legal challenges ensued, culminating in a federal court ruling that deemed Trump's funding cuts unconstitutional.

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Trump Threatens Funding

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to cut federal funding to sanctuary cities starting February 1, risking billions for the Bay Area.
Trump argued that sanctuary cities protect criminals at the expense of American citizens.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta vowed to sue if funding cuts occur, while the White House has not clarified any directives.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee defended sanctuary policies, emphasizing their role in community trust.

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