Trumps claims military entered California to release water flow, but state says that did not happen
President Donald Trump made a bold claim on Monday night, stating that the military had entered California and “turned on the water.” However, state water officials swiftly refuted the president’s statement, labeling it as false.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “The United States Military just entered the Great State of California and, under Emergency Powers, TURNED ON the water flowing abundantly from the Pacific Northwest, and beyond.” He added, “The days of putting a Fake Environmental argument, over the PEOPLE, are OVER. Enjoy the water, California!!!”
The California Department of Water Resources was quick to respond, stating that the military had not entered the state and that there was no shortage of water resources. They clarified that federal water pumps were restarted after a brief maintenance shutdown, and water supplies in Southern California remained plentiful.
State Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire, a Democrat, also disputed Trump’s claims, emphasizing that water from the Pacific Northwest does not flow to the Central Valley. He highlighted that federal water pumps were merely offline for repair and have now been restored. McGuire concluded by stating, “Facts are hard.”
This controversy arose following Trump’s executive order directing federal agencies to explore ways to increase water delivery to Southern California and the Central Valley in response to recent wildfires in Los Angeles. Trump had previously outlined two conditions for federal disaster relief in California – the approval of voter identification legislation and increased water deliveries from Northern California to drier regions in the south.
During a visit to Los Angeles to assess wildfire damage and meet with local officials, Trump reiterated his stance, insisting that voter ID laws and enhanced water distribution were essential before he could provide further assistance. Republicans in Congress have also floated the idea of linking wildfire aid to a debt ceiling increase or changes in California’s fire-mitigation policies.
As the debate intensifies, it is crucial to separate fact from fiction and focus on addressing the real challenges facing California’s water supply and wildfire management. Only through collaborative efforts and evidence-based decision-making can we effectively tackle these pressing issues and ensure the well-being of all Californians.
