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As wildfires raged in the Los Angeles area of California on January 8, Donald Trump chose to blame. The president-elect, who is just days away from taking office, continued Governor Gavin Newsom using social media. A few hours later, Newsom's communications director blasted Trump for “playing politics.” The governor doubled down on that sentiment late Wednesday.
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Governor Newsom calls out Donald Trump
Gov. Gavin Newsom, speaking on CNN from boots on the ground in southern California, appeared shocked by Donald's approach to the crisis.
“That can't even be answered. I mean… people are literally running away. People have lost their lives, children have lost their schools, families have been completely torn apart, churches have burned down. This guy wanted to politicize it. I have a lot of thoughts and I know what I want to say, I won't,” Newsom said.
The governor then turned to highlight how President Joe Biden has appeared in the crisis. “I stood with the president of America today and I'm proud to be with Joe Biden, and he supported every single person in this community. He didn't play politics. He didn't try to divide any of us.
Earlier Wednesday, Newsom's communications director Izzy Gordon, told USA Today that some of Trump's social media rant was “pure fiction.” Gordon denied that there had ever been any legislation called the “water restoration declaration” as claimed by Trump.
“The governor is focused on protecting people, not playing politics, and making sure firefighters have all the resources they need,” Gardon said.
Amid Gordon's announcement, Governor Newsom reportedly canceled his scheduled appearance at former President Jimmy Carter's funeral in DC on January 9.
What Donald Trump says about social truth
On Wednesday (January 8) Trump began his truth social rant by addressing Newsom as “Governor Gavin Newscum.” He then claimed that the California fires started because a politician refused to sign a “water restoration declaration.”
Trump wrote that the legislation would have “allowed millions of gallons of water” from rain and melting snow in the North to flow into other parts of the state every day. “…including areas currently burning in a practically apocalyptic fashion,” added the president-elect.
Donald Trump also claimed that Gov. Gavin Newsom wanted to protect an endangered species of fish called the delta smelt more than the people of California. The species lives in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. In 2019, environmentalists and California officials reportedly opposed adding more water to the river because it could mean the disappearance of salmon, smelt and steelhead. At the time, the Trump administration wanted to send more water to upstate growers. Note that it is unclear whether Trump's water policy proposal would have prevented or helped contain the current wildfires in California.
“The ultimate price is being paid now. I will demand that this incompetent governor allows beautiful, clean, fresh water to POUR INTO CALIFORNIA! He is guilty of that. In addition, no water for fire hydrants, no fire planes. A real disaster,” Trump said.
What we know about the California wildfires
According to CNNFive wildfires are burning 'mostly out of control' in Southern California. The Palisades fire has now been called the “most devastating” fire to ever hit the LA area. It continues to burn the coastal area between Malibu and Santa Monica and has reportedly spread to more than 17,000 acres. Between the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, nearly 2,000 homes, businesses and other buildings have burned to the ground. At least one person has died and more than 130,000 are under evacuation notices and warnings.
The flames started burning Tuesday and spread quickly thanks to the dry season and winds, including Santa Ana. Dry winds gusted to 80 mph, the Associated Press said early Wednesday. Now, weather experts predict they could reach 100 mph in the mountains and foothills, making it difficult to contain California's wildfires.
A thick cloud of ash and smoke blankets the Los Angeles area as thousands of firefighters battle the blaze. The local fire department is calling on other off-duty and out-of-state firefighters to join their plight.
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