Former President Donald Trump has intensified his stance against California's wildfire response, threatening to withhold federal aid unless the state revamps its water management policies. The declaration came during his first television interview since returning to office, speaking with Fox News host Sean Hannity.
As devastating fires continue to ravage California, destroying over 12,000 structures and forcing 88,000 residents to evacuate, Trump criticized the state's approach to water resource management. The fires, which began the week of January 7, have already claimed 25 lives and burned through more than 40,000 acres.
"I don't think we should give California anything until they let water flow down into their system," Trump stated during the interview. He accused California of diverting millions of gallons of water into the Pacific Ocean, claiming this mismanagement contributes to the severity of the wildfires.
The former president specifically targeted California Governor Gavin Newsom, alleging that the Democrat "refused to sign the water restoration declaration" that would have allowed water from excess rain and snow melt to flow into various parts of California. Newsom has dismissed these claims as "pure fiction."
While criticizing the state's response, Trump praised the firefighters battling the blazes, particularly in Los Angeles. "The firefighters were brave as hell. They were fighting without water," he said, describing scenes where fire hydrants allegedly ran dry as flames advanced at speeds of 30 to 40 miles per hour.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between Trump and California's leadership over water management policies. California recently adopted new framework in December 2024 to reduce the environmental impact of its major water projects on endangered species, including measures for managing reservoir releases and water flow schedules.
The Palisades and Eaton fires rank among California's most destructive blazes, with red flag warnings affecting millions of residents due to strong winds and extreme fire danger. Emergency response efforts continue as communities grapple with the devastating impact of these wildfires.