California Gov. Gavin Newsom has already wagged his finger at the Trump White House for demanding “ransom” and changes to the admissions and hiring policies. The federal administration, in return, would unfreeze more than $500 million in frozen federal grants.

The White House indicated Tuesday that it was ready to battle with Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has threatened to sue over UCLA grant freezes. On the line are $584 million in frozen federal funds to campus.

UCLA is in conflict with the Trump administration, which has frozen federal grants and demanded a $1-billion fine over a host of allegations. Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state will sue.