Trump rekindles feud with Newsom amid Los Angeles wildfires

In January 2025, President-elect Donald Trump reignited his long-standing feud with California Governor Gavin Newsom, with the Los Angeles wildfires being a focal point of criticism. Trump accused Newsom of implementing water policies that, in his view, exacerbated fires by limiting the availability of water for firefighting efforts.

Trump’s allegations

Trump alleged that Newsom prioritized environmental concerns, particularly the protection of the delta smelt – a fish species native to Northern California – over human safety. He claimed that water restrictions intended to preserve the delta smelt’s habitat resulted in inadequate water supplies in Southern California, further fueling wildfires.

Newsom’s response

Governor Newsom and his administration denied Trump’s claims, insisting that California’s water management policies are designed to strike a balance between environmental protection and human needs. They argued that the state’s extensive water distribution strategies did not hinder firefighting efforts in Los Angeles.

Historical context of the feud

The differences between Trump and Newsom began with Trump’s first presidential term, during which he frequently criticized California’s handling of environmental issues, particularly forest management and wildfire prevention. In 2018, Trump blamed California’s forest management practices for severe wildfires, suggesting that better management could prevent such disasters.

In turn, Newsom has been a vocal critic of Trump’s environmental policies, advocating for more robust climate change initiatives and disputing federal rollbacks of environmental protections. This ongoing rivalry has often drawn national attention to California’s environmental policies and disaster management strategies.

The Current Wildfire Crisis

Recent wildfires in Los Angeles have been devastating, causing significant property damage, evacuations, and loss of life. The situation has reignited debate over the state’s environmental policies, resource management, and disaster preparedness. While Trump blames state-level policy decisions for the severity of the fires, experts cite a combination of factors, including climate change, prolonged drought conditions, and urban development in fire-prone areas.