The struggle for American independence, encapsulated by the phrase "no taxation without representation," was a pivotal moment in history that resulted from escalating tensions between the thirteen American colonies and the British Crown.
If Governor Gavin Newsom indeed withheld federal taxes from the federal government due to President Trump's intention to cut funding in California, the matter will ultimately be presented before the Supreme Court of the United States. It is up to SCOTUS to determine what is legal and what is not.
I am not a legal expert, so I will defer to the Supreme Court on this issue. However, Gavin Newsom's actions reflect America's tradition. It may be illegal today, but it's part of America's foundation.
As a conservative, I disagree with many policies of California's liberal legislators. However, it remains the most successful state in the United States, and it is second only to New York in sending more money to the federal government than it receives.
California is a donor state, sending more money to the federal government than it receives. The U.S. has only eight donor states, while the rest are receiving states. For example, Oklahoma is a receiving state, getting more money from the federal government than it sends. This extra money comes from donor states like California.
But now federal government is telling Californians that their funds will be redistributed to other 42 states whose policies are favored, while California will face penalties due to its own policies. Although this action may be deemed legal by the Supreme Court of the United States, it does not align with the principles commonly associated with the American way.