In a pointed critique of California Governor Gavin Newsom, former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger reportedly dismissed Newsom’s recent suggestion that the state could withhold federal taxes as mere “rhetoric.”
This exchange unfolded during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! amid heightened tensions surrounding immigration protests in Los Angeles.
The controversy began when Newsom proposed the idea in response to reports suggesting that President Donald Trump was planning significant cuts to federal funding for California.
“Californians pay the bills for the federal government. We pay over $80 billion more in taxes than we get back,” Newsom stated in a tweet. He challenged Trump directly, implying that withholding taxes could be a reasonable course of action.
When Kimmel asked Schwarzenegger if this idea was realistic, the former action star and two-term governor pointed out the complexities involved.
“It sounds easy, but it’s a far more complicated idea than Newsom’s post suggests,” Schwarzenegger explained. He noted that every individual in California pays a variety of taxes—state, local, and federal—making it impractical to simply stop paying federal taxes.
Schwarzenegger also warned of the consequences of such actions, stating, “Then the IRS is coming after you.” His comments highlighted the legal and logistical challenges inherent in Newsom’s proposal, which he characterized as a simplistic solution to a much more intricate problem.
The dialogue between Schwarzenegger and Kimmel touched on broader themes of political discourse, with Schwarzenegger expressing frustration over the ongoing mud-slinging between Newsom and Trump.
“This is all dialogue. This is rhetoric,” he remarked, emphasizing that both sides are more focused on confrontation than on collaborative solutions to pressing issues, such as immigration reform.
Schwarzenegger argued that both Democrats and Republicans have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo, as the divisiveness allows them to fundraise off the ensuing chaos.
“The Democrats and the Republicans have no interest in solving this problem because they use that to raise money,” he noted, suggesting that both parties benefit from sustaining the conflict rather than finding resolutions.
As the political climate grows increasingly polarized, Schwarzenegger’s remarks offer a critique not just of Newsom’s proposals but of the broader political strategies employed by leaders on both sides.
His call for unity and problem-solving stands in stark contrast to the often combative nature of contemporary political dialogue.
With tensions escalating in California and nationwide, the discourse surrounding taxation and immigration continues to evolve.
The exchange between Schwarzenegger and Kimmel underscores the complexities of governance and the challenges of addressing systemic issues in a divided political landscape.
As discussions unfold, the effectiveness of proposed solutions will remain a focal point for both policymakers and the public.
[READ MORE: Karoline Leavitt Slams Reporter for ‘Stupid Question’ on Protests]
