West LA Times

President Donald Trump has criticized Governor Gavin Newsom for allegedly neglecting the people of California in favor of environmental regulations during the recent wildfire disaster. Trump is calling for Newsom's resignation, as said in an interview on January 9.

"It's very sad because I've been trying to get Gavin Newsom to allow water to come—you'd have tremendous water up there, they send it out from the Pacific—because they're trying to protect a tiny little fish," said Trump. "For the sake of a smelt, they have no water… It's a mistake of the governor, and you could say, the administration. Let this serve, and be emblematic, of the gross incompetence and mismanagement of the Biden/Newscum Duo. It's ashes, and Gavin Newscum should resign. This is all his fault!"

According to Newsweek, a recall effort against Newsom is currently underway. Additionally, over 172,000 signatures have been collected in a petition demanding the resignation of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Criticism of Democratic leaders' preparedness intensified when fire hydrants ran dry at the height of the firestorm in Pacific Palisades. The Eaton Fire in Alta Dena, which affected homes at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, has sparked debate about California's forest management policies. Bass also faces criticism for being in Ghana when the fires erupted, despite previously stating that she would not travel internationally as Mayor of Los Angeles.

The Hill reports that instead of addressing imminent natural disasters in Los Angeles, California government officials focused on "Trump-proofing" the state. They allegedly ignored warning signs from wildfire professionals and diverted funds away from disaster relief into unrelated programs.

Cal Fire reports that the Palisades and Eaton Fires began on January 7 and are currently 77% and 95% contained, respectively. As of January 24, the Palisades Fire has burned 23,448 acres, destroyed 6,809 structures, damaged 904 structures, and resulted in 11 deaths. The Eaton Fire has burned 14,021 acres, destroyed 9,418 structures, damaged 1,073 structures, and caused 17 deaths. Santa Ana winds and drought conditions combined with heavy brush from two years of heavy rains exacerbated the fires. Investigations into their causes are ongoing.

Donald Trump is currently serving as President of the United States. He previously held this position from 2017 to 2021 and was known for his career as a businessman and television personality before his presidency.