Amid the raging wildfires across Los Angeles, former President Donald Trump has pointed his finger at California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, placing the blame squarely on his shoulders.
In a Truth Social post on Tuesday, Trump erupted, writing: "RELEASE THE WATER, NEWSOM. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU? DJT."
Why It Matters Newsom, along with other California leaders, has come under fire for the state’s response to the wildfires. The governor and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have faced significant backlash, even from their own party, with discussions of potential recall efforts on the horizon.
Trump has repeatedly targeted Newsom on the issue, dismissing a request from the governor to visit the affected areas. Newsom has encountered angry residents during his public appearances, and California’s celebrities and politicians have also expressed criticism.
What To Know The wildfires have claimed at least 24 lives and displaced thousands, with more than 12,000 buildings, including homes, businesses, and schools, destroyed. Thousands have been forced to evacuate, and many are left unable to return to their homes to rescue pets or even determine if their properties have survived.
State authorities are facing criticism over water shortages and a depleted reservoir, while Mayor Bass has been criticized for her management of firefighting budgets during her tenure. Some residents have even consulted attorneys about potential lawsuits against the city or utility companies.
Additionally, accusations against Newsom include cutting fire prevention budgets. One emotional resident even physically confronted Newsom on camera, claiming the governor failed to ensure hydrants were full.
As frustration mounts, political leaders on all sides have weighed in, turning the disaster into a political battlefield.
Trump Targets Newsom Trump’s latest attack on Newsom is far from the first. Last week, Trump called Newsom out again on Truth Social, referring to him as "Newscum." Trump accused the governor of neglecting to address the crisis, stating: “One of the best and most beautiful parts of the United States of America is burning down to the ground. It’s ashes, and Gavin Newscum should resign. This is all his fault!!!” He also criticized Newsom for allegedly refusing to approve a water restoration declaration, which Trump claimed would have alleviated the crisis by allowing water from rain and snow melt to flow into California.
Izzy Gardon, Newsom's director of communications, denied this claim, labeling it "pure fiction." Gardon emphasized that the governor is focused on protecting citizens and ensuring firefighters have the necessary resources, not engaging in political games.
The back-and-forth continued when Newsom responded on Saturday, sharing a video on X (formerly Twitter) in which he declared: “I’m not interested in politicizing a natural disaster,” and urged Trump to visit California to understand the scale of the damage firsthand.
What People Are Saying On Monday, Trump again took to Truth Social, reiterating his call for Newsom to release water from northern California, accusing him of gross incompetence. He wrote: "RELEASE THE WATER FROM UP NORTH. MILLIONS OF GALLONS A DAY. WHAT’S TAKING YOU SO LONG. SHOULD HAVE DONE IT EIGHT YEARS AGO, AND YOU WOULD HAVE HAD NO FIRE PROBLEMS TODAY."
Newsom has yet to respond directly to Trump’s comments on Truth Social. However, over the weekend, when questioned about the criticism, Newsom said: “I’d like to have that conversation with the next president of the United States. Let’s turn the page as it relates to the incoming president. We’d like him to have the spirit of the current president and have the backs of people so we can recover. I want him to visit and understand the magnitude of this scope.”
What Happens Next Firefighters continue to battle the blazes, with resources stretched thin as new fires erupt. Investigations into the causes of the fires and their handling are expected in the coming weeks and months. It’s likely that political disputes over the response will persist as the recovery efforts unfold.
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