Trump Blames Gov. Newsom for California Wildfires in Post/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President-elect Donald Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for the state’s wildfires, alleging that Newsom’s water management policies exacerbated the crisis. In a Truth Social post, Trump accused Newsom of prioritizing environmental protections, such as preserving the Delta smelt, over wildfire prevention efforts. The post comes amid devastating wildfires that have forced mass evacuations across California.
Trump’s Criticism of Newsom: Quick Looks
- Accusation: Trump alleged Newsom’s policies worsened wildfires by blocking water restoration efforts.
- Environmental Concerns: The president-elect accused Newsom of prioritizing Delta smelt conservation over wildfire prevention.
- Ongoing Crisis: California faces catastrophic wildfires, with thousands evacuated and structures destroyed.
- Rhetoric: Trump called the situation “virtually apocalyptic” in his Truth Social post.
Trump Blames Gov. Newsom for California Wildfires in Post
Deep Look
Trump’s Allegations
In a Truth Social post, Trump alleged that Newsom refused to sign a water restoration declaration that would have allowed millions of gallons of rain and snowmelt from Northern California to flow into wildfire-prone areas.
“Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him,” Trump wrote, accusing Newsom of prioritizing environmental conservation efforts over the needs of Californians. “Now the ultimate price is being paid.”
Trump singled out protections for the Delta smelt, a small endangered fish species, as an example of what he claimed were misplaced priorities.
The Context of Trump’s Criticism
Trump’s remarks come as California battles devastating wildfires fueled by Santa Ana winds. The fires have killed at least two people, destroyed over 1,000 structures, and forced more than 70,000 residents to evacuate.
Newsom has declared a state of emergency and deployed firefighting resources statewide. Critics, including Trump, argue that long-standing water and land management policies have left the state vulnerable to wildfires.
Environmental Policy Disputes
Trump’s comments reflect broader tensions between his administration’s deregulatory approach and California’s stricter environmental standards. During his first presidency, Trump frequently clashed with California officials over wildfire management, at one point suggesting the state should “rake” its forests.
The Delta smelt, a symbol of environmental conservation in California, has long been a flashpoint in debates over water resource allocation. Advocates argue that protecting the fish is critical to maintaining ecosystems, while critics see it as an obstacle to addressing California’s water needs.
Looking Ahead
Trump’s criticism highlights the political challenges California faces as it grapples with worsening wildfires, which experts attribute to a combination of climate change, land-use practices, and natural weather patterns.
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