As devastating wildfires rage across California, forcing thousands to flee their homes, President-Elect Donald Trump has escalated his political feud with Governor Gavin Newsom, blaming him for the disastrous situation. Trump has criticized the governor’s policies, alleging that they are directly responsible for the fires currently ravaging the state.

Trump Attacks Newsom’s Water Policy

In a series of TruthSocial posts, Trump singled out Governor Newsom for refusing to sign a water restoration declaration that would have provided crucial water to combat the fires. Trump claimed that by prioritizing the protection of a “worthless fish” (the smelt), Newsom failed to direct enough resources to deal with California’s ongoing fire crisis. He further accused Newsom of withholding water for firefighting efforts, including fire hydrants and firefighting planes, and demanded the governor’s resignation.

“This is all his fault,” 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 should resign.”

Governor Newsom Fires Back: Focus on Saving Lives

Governor Newsom, however, has sharply rejected Trump’s criticism. His office responded, calling the allegations “pure fiction,” asserting that no such water restoration declaration exists. Newsom’s spokesperson emphasized that the governor’s priority remains saving lives and fighting the fires, not engaging in political attacks.

“People are literally fleeing. Kids have lost their schools. Families have lost their homes. And the President-Elect’s response is to politicize it,” Newsom tweeted. “We’re focused on saving lives and putting out these unprecedented fires.”

The Scale of the Devastation in Los Angeles

The fires have caused significant damage, with at least five fatalities and over 1,500 buildings destroyed in Los Angeles County alone. Firefighters are struggling to contain the blazes due to a shortage of personnel, with County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone admitting that resources are stretched thin.

“We don’t have enough fire personnel in LA County to handle this,” Marrone said in a statement.

Federal Support Amid the Crisis

Outgoing President Joe Biden has canceled his trip to Italy, shifting focus to the firefighting efforts in California. Biden has pledged to do “anything and everything” to assist in containing the fires, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Meanwhile, much of Los Angeles’ water supply comes from the Colorado River, with agriculture using the majority of the available resources. This complex water distribution system is central to the ongoing debate over how best to allocate resources during emergencies like these wildfires.

As the fires continue to devastate California, both political figures and citizens alike are grappling with the scale of the crisis and the difficult decisions required to mitigate the damage.