Trump Blames Newsom for California's Wildfires and Water Challenges

By Anthony W. Haddad

Published 2 weeks ago on

January 8, 2025

President-elect Donald Trump blamed Governor Gavin Newsom for California's water and fire crises, accusing him of prioritizing environmental concerns over the needs of residents amid devastating wildfires. (GV Wire Composite/Anthony W. Haddad)

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Former President Donald Trump criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom in a Wednesday Truth Social post, claiming his refusal to sign a water restoration declaration has exacerbated the state’s ongoing crisis.

President-elect Donald J. Trump’s Truth Social post, blaming California Gov. Gavin Newsom for the water and fire issues in California. (Screenshot/Truth Social)

Trump accused Newsom of prioritizing the protection of a fish species, the smelt, over the needs of Californians, particularly those suffering from devastating wildfires.

Trump argued that millions of gallons of water from northern rain and snow melt could have been directed to fire-stricken areas, but Newsom’s decision to limit water use for environmental purposes resulted in a lack of resources, including water for hydrants and firefighting planes.

The former president labeled Newsom’s actions as disastrous, saying, “He is the blame for this.”

California Secures Federal Grant to Combat Hurst Fire

Gov. Newsom announced on Wednesday that California has received a federal grant to assist in fighting the Hurst Fire, which has burned about 500 acres in Los Angeles County as of Wednesday morning.

The fire, fueled by high winds, continues to spread, prompting evacuation orders for thousands of residents.

Over 44,000 people have been forced to evacuate, and 40,000 structures are under threat.

The federal grant will provide critical resources for firefighting efforts, reimbursing local, state, and tribal agencies for 75% of suppression costs.

Shelters have been set up for evacuees, and officials urge residents to follow evacuation orders as extreme fire weather persists.

—

Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.

DON'T MISS

Progress Is Made on a Huge Fire North of Los Angeles While New Fires Erupt in Southern California

DON'T MISS

Fresno DUI Suspect Arrested After Crash Kills Pedestrian, Injures Another

DON'T MISS

Fresno County Sex Offender Arrested Fleeing on Motorcycle With Drugs

DON'T MISS

As the Fresno GOP Turns: Cease and Desist Letter Sent to Rebel Leader

DON'T MISS

When Did Fresno EOC Finances Start Their Downhill Plunge?

DON'T MISS

Trump Signs Executive Order on Developing Artificial Intelligence ‘Free From Ideological Bias’

DON'T MISS

Trump Pardons Anti-Abortion Activists Convicted for Blocking Abortion Clinic Entrances

DON'T MISS

Fresno Police Seek Public’s Help in Star Pro Smog Burglary Investigation

DON'T MISS

SZA to Join Kendrick Lamar as a Guest During Super Bowl Halftime Performance

DON'T MISS

California Approves $2.5B for State Response to Los Angeles-Area Fires

UP NEXT

Fresno DUI Suspect Arrested After Crash Kills Pedestrian, Injures Another

UP NEXT

Fresno County Sex Offender Arrested Fleeing on Motorcycle With Drugs

UP NEXT

As the Fresno GOP Turns: Cease and Desist Letter Sent to Rebel Leader

UP NEXT

When Did Fresno EOC Finances Start Their Downhill Plunge?

UP NEXT

Trump Signs Executive Order on Developing Artificial Intelligence ‘Free From Ideological Bias’

UP NEXT

Trump Pardons Anti-Abortion Activists Convicted for Blocking Abortion Clinic Entrances

UP NEXT

Fresno Police Seek Public’s Help in Star Pro Smog Burglary Investigation

UP NEXT

SZA to Join Kendrick Lamar as a Guest During Super Bowl Halftime Performance

UP NEXT

California Approves $2.5B for State Response to Los Angeles-Area Fires

UP NEXT

Senate Confirms Ratcliffe to Lead the CIA, Giving Trump His Second Cabinet Member

Anthony W. Haddad,

Multimedia Journalist

Anthony W. Haddad, who graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with his undergraduate degree and has an MBA at Fresno State, is the Swiss Army knife of GV Wire. He writes stories, manages social media, and represents the organization on the ground.