President-elect Donald Trump took to Truth Social to criticize California Governor Gavin Newsom over the state's water policies amid ongoing fires blazing through Los Angeles, urging him to "immediately go to Northern California and open up the water main."
Trump's post accused Newsom of allowing water to flow "out into the Pacific Ocean" instead of using it to combat drought and the raging wildfires devastating the nation's second-largest city by population.
Newsweek reached out to Newsom's office for comment via email.
Why It Matters
California has long faced challenges with water management, balancing the needs of agriculture, residents and environmental conservation. Trump's comments highlight ongoing political battles over how the state allocates its water resources, with Republicans, like Trump, often arguing that too much water is being diverted for environmental protections rather than human and agricultural use.
The urgency of Trump's post comes as wildfires continue to tear through Los Angeles, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds. Firefighters are battling blazes that have destroyed homes, forced evacuations and threatened critical infrastructure. His remarks have reignited the debate over whether state policies are exacerbating the crisis or if natural conditions are to blame.
What To Know
The Los Angeles fires have rapidly expanded, burning thousands of acres as new blazes continue to ignite. As well as the five people reported dead, hundreds of structures have been reduced to ashes, according to the Associated Press. A slew of prominent celebrities' homes have been destroyed, as well as schools, businesses and historic sites.
California's water supply is managed through a complex system of reservoirs, canals and aqueducts, with strict federal and state regulations governing water allocation. A significant portion of the state's water is set aside to protect endangered species like the delta smelt and Chinook salmon, a policy that has been criticized by agricultural interests.
Trump's remark that water is being "sent into the Pacific Ocean" refers to environmental flow requirements, which aim to maintain ecological balance in rivers and estuaries. While these policies have been a source of contention, experts say that they are necessary to prevent long-term environmental damage that could exacerbate drought conditions.
In 2023, Newsom, a Democrat, introduced measures to improve water storage and infrastructure, including expanding desalination projects and reservoir capacity. However, his administration has also faced criticism for not acting quickly enough to address the state's persistent water issues, especially in light of worsening wildfire seasons.
Newsom's response to the fires has been met with a mix of praise and criticism. Some residents and local officials have commended his administration for mobilizing firefighting resources and coordinating evacuation efforts swiftly. Critics argue that Newsom's administration has not done enough to prevent such devastating wildfires in the first place.
What People Are Saying
President-elect Donald Trump, on Truth Social: "Governor Gavin Newscum should immediately go to Northern California and open up the water main, and let the water flow into his dry, starving, burning State, instead of having it go out into the Pacific Ocean. It ought to be done right now, NO MORE EXCUSES FROM THIS INCOMPETENT GOVERNOR. IT'S ALREADY FAR TOO LATE!"
California Governor Gavin Newsom, on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday: "Everywhere I go, I see firefighters & first responders putting their lives on the line to protect Californians affected by the wildfires. Your bravery & dedication to protecting our communities are nothing short of heroic. Thank you for embodying the Golden State's resiliency."
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat: "Governor Newsom has been in constant communication with local leaders to ensure we have the resources needed to fight these fires and protect our communities."
California state Senator Brian Dahle, a Republican and frequent Newsom critic: "We keep seeing these disasters year after year, yet the state continues to lag in fire prevention efforts. More should have been done long before these fires erupted."
California resident and business owner Mark Stevens, on X: "Every year we face these wildfires, and every year we hear the same promises. When will something actually change?"
What Happens Next
The debate over California's water policies is unlikely to subside, especially as the fires continue to rage. Trump's criticism aligns with broader Republican attacks on Democratic governance in California.
With wildfires continuing to burn, state officials face mounting pressure to take action. Whether Trump's remarks will influence policy decisions remains uncertain. As emergency responders battle the flames, calls for reform on water allocation and wildfire prevention may grow louder.
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