Reports from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection or other official state reports

Trump Calls Newsom 'Incompetent,' Blames Firefighter Water Shortages on Smelt Protection

Jan 9, 2025, 12:20 AM

President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday blamed California Governor Gavin Newsom for the massive wildfires ravaging Los Angeles County, calling him an "incompetent governor" and accusing him of mismanaging the state's water resources. Trump criticized Newsom for refusing to sign a water restoration declaration that would allow "beautiful, clean, fresh water" to flow into California, claiming that water is being diverted to protect a "tiny little fish called a smelt." He stated that firefighters are running out of water and that "they have no water in the fire hydrants" as fires tear through Los Angeles. "He is to blame for this," Trump said. Newsom responded by accusing Trump of politicizing the disaster, stating, "One can't even respond to it."