Trump blames Newsom for wildfires, sets up clash over California’s water delivery

The Washington Post ^ | Wednesday, January 8, 2025 | Susan Ferrechio

[E. Pluribus Unum]

President-elect Donald Trump attacked California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday as thousands of acres burned in a blaze that tore through Los Angeles County. Mr. Trump threatened to take on the state’s water policies when he assumes office later this month.

Mr. Trump raged at Mr. Newsom on Truth Social, pinning the blame for the disaster on the Democrat’s decision to reject a 2019 federal plan that would have increased the water supply in Southern California. 

“Governor Gavin Newscum [sic] refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snowmelt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way,” Mr. Trump wrote.

Mr. Trump also slammed Mr. Newsom over reports that fire hydrants in some areas have run dry, thanks to empty water reservoirs. 

The Democrat-run state and city are struggling to battle the spreading blaze, fueled by 100-mph winds. At least 1,000 structures have burned and two people have died as a result of the fires, according to city officials.

Mr. Trump has attacked Mr. Newsom in the past over the state’s wildfire and water management and at least twice threatened to pull federal money. 

In 2019, during Mr. Trump’s first term, the federal Bureau of Reclamation proposed pumping more water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta into the state’s two water delivery systems. The plan was backed by federal fishery reports that determined the additional pumping would not harm endangered species.

But Mr. Newsom signed off on modified regulations aimed at protecting Chinook salmon and the Delta smelt, which is largely extinct.

In his Wednesday post, Mr. Trump called...

[BenLurkin]

Gavin Newsom is a greasy worm.

[Alberta's Child]

“Governor Newscum.” LMAO.

[pfflier]

The rich and affluent are being hit particularly hard by these fires. Seems like something a group conducting class warfare would like to do.

[Da Coyote]

“Gavin Newsom is a greasy worm.”
And the International Association of Greasy Worms are most displeased at the insult.

[FlipWilson]

You know that a democrat is responsible when you get the “pounce” headline of “so and so blames. . .”

Yah, he blame him because he is responsible. Trump was out there three months ago warning about the refusal to divert waters Southward.

The snail darter or whatever species lives but LA dies. Just great.

[FlingWingFlyer]

What the hell every happened to California’s atmospheric Mississippi River in the sky?

[Jim W N]

Any Twosome Newsome is no good.

But Mr. Trump threatening to take on CA’s water policies when he assumes office later this month is no good either. The Constitution simply doesn’t authorize such state interference to the feds.

America’s GREATEST problem is the MASSIVLY UNCONSTITUTIONAL portion of the federal gov’t. Trump’s going the wrong way on this one.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

You know that a democrat is responsible when you get the “pounce” headline of “so and so blames. . .”

Especially when a "kerfuffle" is involved.

[wildcard_redneck]

"The rich and affluent are being hit particularly hard by these fires. Seems like something a group conducting class warfare would like to do."

They tried the soap box, then the jury box, then the ballot box and then they chose the match box over the cartridge box......

[cport]

That’s why they all fear him. He has no problem using their tactics against them. Force the issue early, before next election and pave the way for Vance. I know 4D chess gets thrown around flippantly, but this is real 4D chess. Not for his personal gain, unlike many other elected government employees. The GOPe has long term strategy, problem is, it’s with the so called “opposition “.

This is why we elected him, much to their consternation and displeasure.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

But Mr. Trump threatening to take on CA’s water policies when he assumes office later this month is no good either.

How much of California's water comes from out-of-state?

Hint: 20% comes from the COLORADO River.

The interstate commerce clause has been used to trump the enumerated powers clause countless times. What's one more time?

[Diogenesis]

[No name given]

And unworthy for office.

[Alberta's Child]

My understanding is that the federal government has been involved in water regulation in the southwestern U.S. for almost a century because of the multi-state issues out there. The Hoover Dam was constructed specifically to provide water across seven states in the Colorado River basin.

[No name given]

It probably was a commie agitator, you’re right.

[MNJohnnie]

The Commerce Clause in Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution gives the federal government the power to regulate interstate commerce, which includes navigable waters. This power allows the federal government to regulate water rights between state

It is a Federal issue when the plan includes diverting water to CA from other states.

[bray]

Like Trump says, never let a crisis go to waste.

[TiGuy22]

This one should leave a mark. Hopefully sinks Newsome for ‘28.

[Sarah Barracuda]

NewSCUM is responsible for this for not allowing water to be in the state that could have put out the fire..there is literally NO WATER to fight this fire, NONE..ZERO..and then you have Karen Bass, who cut the fire department by 17 MILLION dollars, and hired a DEI lesbian because hey, forget experience, all that matters is hiring someone based on who they sleep with