Gavin Newsom has suggested California "withhold" taxes from the federal government. This is at best nonsensical and at worst a serious felony.

The claim consists of two parts: first, that Gavin Newsom suggested California might withhold taxes from the federal government, and second, that such an action would be nonsensical or a serious felony. Multiple credible news sources confirm that Newsom floated the idea of withholding California's share of federal taxes amid reports that the Trump administration was considering large-scale funding cuts to the state.politico.compolitico.comNewsom floats withholding federal taxes as Trump threatens Californiacbsnews.comcbsnews.comCalifornia Gov. Gavin Newsom is floating a federal tax boycott. Here's what to...

This suggestion was widely reported as a political response to federal threats. However, legal experts and officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, have condemned this proposal as illegal tax evasion and warned it could be a criminal offense.foxbusiness.comfoxbusiness.comBessent condemns Newsom's 'dangerous' threat to withhold $80B in federal taxes...theguardian.comtheguardian.comNewsom is warned of ‘criminal tax evasion’ if he withholds federal taxes The U.S. Constitution and federal law require states to remit collected federal taxes; states do not have the authority to withhold these payments unilaterally.

Thus, while Newsom did suggest withholding taxes, the characterization of this as nonsensical and potentially a serious felony aligns with expert legal opinion. The nuance is that Newsom's statement appears more rhetorical or political rather than a concrete policy plan, but the legal risks are real if such withholding were attempted.

Therefore, the claim is mostly true: Newsom did suggest withholding taxes, and experts warn it would be illegal and potentially criminal.