menu_open Columnists
We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

The Memo: Trump sparks political fight as L.A. wildfires rage

3 123
09.01.2025

President-elect Trump has sparked a political battle over the wildfires ravaging Los Angeles even as those fires are still far from contained.

Any suggestion that the disaster -- which has already killed two people, destroyed about 1,000 structures and caused 70,000 people to be placed under an evacuation order -- would lead to a moment of national unity was in vain.

Instead Trump has taken verbal potshots at California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and President Biden, suggesting their actions are to blame for the failure to contain the fires.

The purpose, aside from Trump’s general taste for political combat, seems to be to paint the current president and the California governor as weak leaders who have enfeebled a nation that the president-elect will soon return to the right track.

Trump's detractors view such tactics with disdain.

Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday, using his derogatory nickname for the California governor to assert that the response to the wildfires was being hampered by Newsom’s environmental policies.

“Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snow melt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California.”

Trump continued assailing Newsom before concluding, “He........

© The Hill


Get it on Google Play