FLASHBACK: Trump has long history of warning Newsom over ‘terrible’ wildfire prevention
President-elect Trump has once again put Governor Gavin Newsom on notice for his handling of wildfires in California, years ahead of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires currently raging. In a post on social media in 2019, Trump criticized Newsom for his forest management practices, stating that the governor must prioritize cleaning forest floors and conducting controlled burns to prevent wildfires. Trump expressed frustration that Newsom repeatedly turns to the federal government for financial assistance after the state experiences destructive fires each year.
As the Kincade Fire raged in Sonoma County in 2019, Trump called out Newsom for his leadership in wildfire prevention, blaming him for the ongoing fires in California. The former and upcoming president highlighted Newsom’s refusal to sign a water restoration declaration that would have allowed excess water to flow into the state, potentially preventing wildfires. Trump accused Newsom of prioritizing the protection of a fish species over the well-being of California residents.
Newsom’s response to Trump’s criticism was focused on combating the fires and protecting lives, rather than engaging in political disputes. The governor’s director of communications emphasized that the priority was on providing resources to firefighters and ensuring the safety of communities affected by the wildfires.
Throughout his first term in office, Trump consistently targeted Newsom’s handling of wildfires in California, threatening to cut off federal funds if forest management reforms were not implemented. He argued that proper forest management practices could prevent the devastating fires that have become a yearly occurrence in the state.
While Newsom and other Democrats attribute the wildfires to climate change, Trump and California Republicans have criticized the state’s failure to address forestry management effectively. Assemblyman James Gallagher pointed out the overgrown forests and lack of preventative measures that have contributed to the wildfire crisis in California.
Despite Newsom’s pledge to reform wildfire prevention efforts, a 2021 investigation revealed that the governor had overstated the progress made in implementing fuel breaks and prescribed burns. The state pushed back on the report, attributing the challenges to the pandemic and an overwhelming wildfire season that diverted resources from prevention work to firefighting efforts.
As multiple wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles County, Newsom has mobilized firefighting personnel and resources to combat the blazes. The state has deployed a significant number of fire engines, helicopters, bulldozers, and specialized personnel to protect communities at risk. The National Guard has also been activated to support firefighting efforts in the affected areas.
In the midst of the ongoing wildfire crisis, Newsom remains focused on protecting lives and ensuring that emergency officials and first responders have the resources they need to contain the fires. The state’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan has made significant progress in addressing key actions to prevent future wildfires, including hiring additional firefighters and implementing preventative measures.
As California continues to battle wildfires, the collaboration between state and federal authorities is essential to effectively respond to the crisis and protect communities from further devastation. Governor Newsom’s commitment to prioritizing wildfire prevention and emergency response efforts is crucial in safeguarding the state against future wildfire disasters.
