On Wednesday night, President Donald Trump issued a sharp rebuke of California Governor Gavin Newsom, demanding his resignation after the catastrophic Los Angeles wildfires and what Trump characterized as a failed state response.
“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 News*um should resign. This is all his fault!!!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
The wildfires, which have scorched thousands of acres and displaced countless residents, have drawn national attention. Trump placed the blame squarely on Newsom, accusing him of refusing to implement measures that could have mitigated the crisis.
Specifically, Trump criticized Newsom for not signing a water restoration declaration that would have redirected millions of gallons of water into areas now ravaged by the fires.
“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 snowmelt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way,” Trump wrote earlier in the day.
Trump also condemned what he described as misguided environmental policies. He highlighted Newsom’s prioritization of preserving the delta smelt, a small fish, over ensuring adequate water supplies for residents and infrastructure. “He wanted to protect an essentially worthless fish called a smelt, by giving it less water (it didn’t work!), but didn’t care about the people of California. Now the ultimate price is being paid,” Trump stated.
In his message, Trump vowed to address the issue when he assumes office. “I will demand that this incompetent governor allow beautiful, clean, fresh water to FLOW INTO CALIFORNIA! He is to blame for this. On top of it all, no water for fire hydrants, no firefighting planes. A true disaster!” he concluded.
Criticism of Newsom’s wildfire response has intensified as reports emerged that critical firefighting resources, including water for hydrants, have been insufficient in key areas.
On Wednesday morning, a video resurfaced on social media showing Trump, during his presidency, advising Newsom to implement forest management strategies, including clearing brush from forest floors.
In the video, Trump emphasized preventative measures to avoid future disasters. “There’s been a lot of study going on over the last little while, and I will say I think you’re gonna have hopefully this is going to be the last of these because this was a really, really bad one. And I know that Gavin’s committed, we’re all committed, I’m committed to make sure that all of this is cleaned out and protected. You gotta take care of the floors. You know, the floors of the forests, very important,” Trump said at the time.
As wildfires continue to wreak havoc across California, the debate over state leadership, environmental policy, and resource management is likely to intensify, especially with Trump set to take office in the coming weeks.
