Trump Blames Newsom for California's Wildfires and Water Challenges

By Anthony W. Haddad

Published 23 hours 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)

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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.

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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.