Fact-check · Oct 21, 2026 · JD Vance
“The federal government wires billions of dollars directly to the state of California”
TRUE
What the record shows
California's 2025-26 state budget includes almost $175 billion in federal funds (California Budget & Policy Center); FY 2023 federal transfers to California totaled $156.3 billion (USAFacts).
The federal government does wire billions of dollars directly to California annually. Current figures show $150-175 billion in federal funds flowing to the state.
Sources
- Where California’s billions of dollars in federal funding is going
- Federal Funds Drive One-Third of California’s State Budget - California Budget & Policy Center
- State Smart: Federal Funds in California
- How much federal money goes toward California state and local government?
- Money trail: California’s pandemic riches - CalMatters
- How much federal funding does California receive annua
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