California Gov. Gavin Newsom Blasts President-Elect Trump’s Response to Wildfires
California Governor Gavin Newsom spoke out against President-elect Donald Trump’s response to the devastating wildfires in his state, citing “mis- and disinformation” in a recent interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press”.
Newsom appeared to be referring to Trump’s posts on Truth Social, where the president-elect baselessly claimed that Newsom had blocked a measure that would have allowed water to flow from Northern California to Southern California to help fight the fires. Trump also falsely claimed that Newsom’s administration was responsible for the lack of water in fire hydrants and the depletion of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
In response, Newsom called Trump’s claims “inexcusable” and “incomprehensible to anyone who understands water policy in the state”. He also expressed concern that Trump’s attacks could delay federal disaster aid to California after his inauguration, citing the president-elect’s history of withholding aid from states with leaders he does not get along with.
Newsom also invited Trump to visit California to see the destruction firsthand and meet with those affected by the fires, but has yet to receive a response. He noted that Trump’s threats to withhold disaster aid are nothing new, pointing to similar instances in Utah, Michigan, Puerto Rico, and California in 2018.
