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Trump called for California Governor Gavin Newsom’s resignation amid escalating criticism over his handling of the Los Angeles wildfire crisis.
Taking to Truth Social Wednesday night, Trump declared: “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 Newscum [sic] should resign. This is all his fault!!!”
Earlier that day, Trump criticized Newsom’s water management decisions, suggesting the governor prioritized protecting a smelt fish species over providing water to Southern California’s residents.
Nothing that Trump has said has been false. Move along. Newsom is totally to blame for this!
TRUMP WAS RIGHT! pic.twitter.com/u7l8fcijQB
— Alex Stone (@StoneJAlex) January 9, 2025
“He wanted to protect an essentially worthless fish called a smelt… but didn’t care about the people of California,” Trump stated, adding, “Now the ultimate price is being paid. I will demand that this incompetent governor allow beautiful, clean, fresh water to FLOW INTO CALIFORNIA! He is to blame for this.”
Responding to Trump’s accusations while surrounded by burning buildings, Newsom told CNN: “People are literally fleeing, people have lost their lives. Kids lost their schools. Families completely torn asunder. Churches burned down. This guy wanted to politicize? I have a lot of thoughts and I know what I want to say — I won’t.”
NEW: CA Governor Gavin Newsom says he is so furious at Trump for blaming him for the California fires that he won’t even respond.
Newsom, who has directed billions of gallons of water into the Pacific Ocean, fumed that Trump would blame him.
“One can't even respond to it… This… pic.twitter.com/scQo7BGi9v
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 9, 2025
The devastating fires have forced tens of thousands to evacuate Los Angeles, resulting in five fatalities. Strong winds have accelerated the fire’s spread, overwhelming firefighting resources and destroying over 1,000 structures.
Trump extended his criticism to LA Mayor Karen Bass and President Biden, questioning FEMA’s financial preparedness. During a press conference, Bass vaguely directed residents to a “URL” for emergency assistance without providing specific web information.
Biden, canceling his final presidential visit to the Vatican, pledged full support alongside Newsom in Santa Monica, stating: “We’re prepared to do anything and everything, as long as it takes to contain these fires and to help reconstruct.”
