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California Governor Gavin Newsom has publicly raised concerns about obtaining federal disaster aid under the incoming Trump administration.

Some shit you should know before you read: As of January 13, 2025, multiple wildfires continue to devastate the Los Angeles area, with varying levels of containment. The Palisades Fire, The largest of the current wildfires, it has burned over 23,700 acres and is approximately 14% contained. This fire has resulted in at least eight fatalities. The Eaton Fire, Located near Altadena and Pasadena, has burned over 14,000 acres and is about 33% contained. It has caused at least 16 deaths. The Hurst Fire: Burning in the Sylmar area has affected approximately 799 acres and is 95% contained.

Newsom Trump Split

What’s going on now: During an interview with NBC, Governor Newsom expressed concerns about the potential for delays or denials of federal disaster aid under President-elect Donald Trump, citing a history of what he claims is Trump “politicizing” relief efforts. He said, “He’s done it in Utah. He’s done it in Michigan, did it in Puerto Rico. He did it to California back before I was even governor, in 2018 until he found out folks in Orange County voted for him and he decided to give them money.” Newsom noted that this approach could hinder critical support for first responders and impacted communities, stating, “I’ve been pretty expressive about that in the context of someone threatening our first responders in terms of supporting the immediacy of their needs.”

Newsom also criticized Trump for spreading what he claims is “misinformation” about California’s wildfire management and water policies, particularly regarding the delta smelt and water distribution. Trump claimed that Newsom refused to sign a “water restoration declaration,” which Newsom’s office dismissed as “pure fiction.” Addressing Trump’s remarks, Newsom said, “He’s somehow connecting the delta smelt to this fire, which is inexcusable because it’s inaccurate. Also, incomprehensible to anyone that understands water policy in the state.” He accused Trump of politicizing a crisis that has devastated lives and communities, stating, “People are literally fleeing. People have lost their lives… This guy wanted to politicize it.”

This all comes as President-elect Trump has criticized Governor Gavin Newsom’s handling of California’s wildfire crisis, calling for him to resign and tying the crisis to what he has repeatedly called long-standing mismanagement of the state’s water resources. On an episode earlier this year on the Joe Rogan podcast, Trump reiterated claims that California prioritizes environmental policies, such as protecting the endangered delta smelt, over practical solutions to water shortages. He accused Newsom of failing to ensure water availability for firefighting, stating, “They’re letting all this water just flow out to the ocean to save a fish, while fires rage and people suffer.”

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