Wildfires are raging in the Los Angeles area, and the President-elect is blaming California Governor Gavin Newsom for it. On Wednesday (January 8), Donald Trump slammed Newsom on social media for fiery destruction that has so far killed two people and displaced thousands.
Governor Newsom’s Office Reacts To Trump’s Message
Trump delivered his harsh drag via Truth Social. He started by addressing Newsom as “Governor Gavin Newscum” and then alleged that the California wildfires resulted from the politician refusing to sign “the water restoration declaration.” Trump wrote that the legislation would’ve “allowed millions of gallons of water” from rain and melted snow in the north to flow daily into other parts of the state. “…including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way,” the President-elect added.
Donald Trump also alleged that Governor Gavin Newsom wanted to protect an endangered fish species called the Delta smelt more than Californians. The species lives in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. In 2019, environmentalists and Cali officials reportedly argued against adding more water to the river because it could mean extinction for salmon, smelt, and steelhead. At that time, the Trump Administration wanted to send more water to growers in the state’s center. Note that it’s unclear whether Trump’s water policy recommendation would’ve prevented the current wildfires in California or aided in taming them.
“Now the ultimate price is being paid. I will demand that this incompetent governor allow beautiful, clean, fresh water to FLOW INTO CALIFORNIA! He is the blame for this. On top of it all, no water for fire hydrants, not firefighting planes. A true disaster,” Trump said.
After Trump’s message went viral, the governor’s office set the record straight. Newsom’s communications director, Izzy Gardon, told USA Today that there is no document called the “water restoration declaration.” Gardon labeled that part of Trump’s message “pure fiction.” Furthermore, the comms director shared how the California governor is concentrating his efforts on the fire.
“The Governor is focused on protecting people, not playing politics, and making sure firefighters have all the resources they need,” Gardon reportedly added.
Newsom reportedly canceled his scheduled appearance at former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral on Thursday (January 9).
What We Know About The California Wildfires
While Trump was popping off on Truth Social, California residents have been forced to flee at least three separate wildfires, per The New York Times. The flames began burning on Tuesday and quickly spread thanks to a dry season and winds, including Santa Anas. The Associated Press said the dry winds increased to 80 mph early Wednesday. Now, weather experts predict they could reach 100 mph in mountains and foothills — making containing the California wildfires challenging.
The Los Angeles area is covered in a thick cloud of ash and smoke as thousands of firefighters fight flames. The local fire department is asking other off-duty and out-of-state firefighters to join their plight. Still, more than 1,000 structures, including homes, have reportedly been destroyed across 22 square miles, per AP.
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