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The request for federal assistance has encountered Republican pushback, particularly from Donald Trump and his allies, who argue for imposing conditions on the relief funding. The overarching political environment in Washington complicates the situation, with historical reluctance from some lawmakers to approve large sums without stringent oversight. Trump's previous interactions with Newsom emphasized his interest in tying future aid to state electoral reforms, including voter ID laws. The insistence on linking aid to reforms reflects a broader strategy to leverage federal resources in establishing political changes within California.