Trump Criticizes Newsom’s Wildfire Management
President Trump has reignited criticism of California Governor Newsom’s handling of wildfires. As the devastating Los Angeles continue to wreak havoc. Trump’s remarks, the latest in a series of attacks he has leveled at Newsom over regarding California’s wildfire management.
Trump’s Longstanding Critique of Newsom
The former President has a history of attributing California’s wildfires. To what he deems “terrible forest management,” often directing his frustration at Governor Newsom. During the 2019 Kincade Fire in Sonoma County, Trump openly criticized the Governor via X (formerly Twitter):
“The Governor of California, @GavinNewsom, has done a terrible job of forest management. I told him from the first day we met that he must ‘clean’ his forest floors regardless of what his bosses, the environmentalists, DEMAND of him.”
Trump further accused Newsom of failing to prevent recurring fires and relying on federal funding to mitigate their aftermath.
“Every year, as the fires rage & California burns, it is the same thing—and then he comes to the Federal Government for $$$ help. No more. Get your act together, Governor.”
Trump Current Criticism Amid LA Wildfires
With the Los Angeles wildfires causing widespread destruction—claiming lives, destroying homes, and forcing tens of thousands to evacuate—Trump has once again turned his sights on Newsom. This week, Trump labeled Newsom as unfit to manage the crisis, calling him “Governor Gavin Newscum” and demanding his resignation:
“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!!!”
Trump also criticized Newsom for allegedly refusing to approve a so-called “water restoration declaration” that, according to Trump, would have diverted millions of gallons of water to fire-stricken areas.
“Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration … that would have allowed millions of gallons of water … to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way.”
Newsom’s Response to Trump’s Claims
Governor Newsom’s office quickly dismissed Trump’s allegations as baseless. Izzy Gardon, Newsom’s communications director, released a statement refuting Trump’s assertions:
“There is no such document as the water restoration declaration … The Governor is focused on protecting people, not playing politics, and making sure firefighters have all the resources they need.”
In addition to responding to Trump, Newsom has defended California’s wildfire response, citing the state’s proactive measures against thousands of fires exacerbated by extreme weather and climate change:
“We’re successfully waging war against thousands of fires started across the state in the last few weeks due to extreme weather created by climate change while Trump is conducting a full-on assault against the antidotes.”
Also Read : Donald Trump Demands Gavin Newsom’s Resignation Amid LA Wildfire Crisis
Also Read : Los Angeles Wildfires : Flames Wreak Havoc Across California
Trump’s Past Threats and Political Context
Trump’s criticism of California’s wildfire management is not new. In 2019, he went as far as threatening to cut federal funding for wildfire relief, stating:
“Billions of dollars are sent to the State of California for forest fires that, with proper Forest Management, would never happen.”
These remarks echo his broader dissatisfaction with California’s environmental policies, which Trump often frames as being overly influenced by environmentalist advocacy groups.
Amidst Crisis, Focus Remains on Recovery
As wildfires continue to devastate parts of Los Angeles County, with high winds and dry conditions making firefighting efforts more challenging, Newsom has emphasized the state’s commitment to protecting lives and property. More than 7,500 firefighters are actively battling the blazes, and federal disaster assistance has been approved by President Biden to support relief and recovery efforts.
For many Californians, the focus is on surviving the immediate crisis. However, Trump’s commentary underscores the politicization of wildfire management. And highlighting divisions between state and federal leadership on how to address and prevent future disasters effectively. While political blame games persist, the priority for those affected remains clear: safety, recovery, and rebuilding from one of the most destructive wildfire events in California’s recent history.
