California Governor Gavin Newsom has sharply criticized President-elect Donald Trump’s response to the devastating wildfires sweeping across the state, following inflammatory remarks Trump made on Truth Social. In a Saturday interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Newsom dismissed Trump’s claims as baseless and harmful, saying, “Mis- and disinformation I don’t think advantages or aids any of us.”
Trump, who has targeted Newsom, President Joe Biden, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass since the fires erupted, accused Newsom of blocking legislation that would have allowed water from Northern California to flow to Southern California. He claimed Newsom had refused to sign a water restoration bill that could have alleviated the crisis in areas now engulfed by flames. Trump also made disparaging remarks about the endangered delta smelt, suggesting that Newsom had chosen to protect the fish over the water needs of the state. Newsom countered, calling Trump’s comments “inaccurate” and “incomprehensible” in the context of California’s water policies.
Additionally, Trump spread false claims about FEMA funding, stating there was “no money in FEMA” and accusing President Biden of leaving him without resources. Newsom emphasized that Trump’s attacks were unfounded and only added to the disinformation during an already challenging crisis.
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As the death toll from the fires climbed to at least 16, Newsom took to social media to extend an invitation to Trump, asking him to visit California to witness the devastation firsthand and join in thanking the first responders and firefighters risking their lives. However, Newsom shared with NBC News that he had yet to receive a response to his invitation.
Newsom also expressed concern about Trump’s previous actions, including efforts to withhold disaster aid from states with leaders he disagreed with. He referenced Trump’s history of withholding federal disaster funding in places like Puerto Rico, Michigan, and California, fearing that California might face similar challenges in the aftermath of the current fires. Despite these concerns, Newsom emphasized the state’s resilience, noting that California would continue working hard to recover, regardless of federal responses.
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