California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the immediate release of federal aid for communities devastated by the recent Los Angeles fires. This comes as Newsom and other Democratic leaders navigate a delicate balance between collaboration and confrontation with President Donald Trump, who has threatened to tie federal aid to changes in California's water system. Trump is expected to visit the Pacific Palisades this week, where he will meet with local officials, but it remains unclear if he will meet with Newsom.
Residents embrace in front of a fire-ravaged property after the Palisades Fire swept through in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.to communities damaged by the Los Angeles fires ahead of President Donald Trump ’s Friday tour of the Pacific Palisades.
Former President Joe Biden, in one of his final acts in office, pledged federal support for the next three months. But since the fires broke out earlier this month, Trump hasThough Newsom said he has not had any contact with Trump in advance of his visit, the governor expressed confidence that federal aid would not be delayed. As of Friday morning, it remained unclear whether he would invite Newsom.
“While we’ve made progress, there’s still a significant journey ahead as we transition from containment to recovery,” said state Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, who represents Altadena, which was heavily damaged by the Eaton Fire. “As we begin that process, I’m also appreciative that this bill is supporting the cleanup efforts regarding air quality, water and other environmental testing.”
But that’s not what California Republican lawmakers have been pushing: Policy reforms introduced by state GOP legislators are more focused on increasing controlled burns and other wildfire prevention by suspending environmental laws. And some Republican Congressmembers who represent swing districts have flatly rejected any conditions on aid, including Orange County Republican Rep. Young Kim.
While Democrats are standing united on that issue, debate Thursday over the Trump-related legal aid was more contentious in the state Capitol. The plan consisted of two bills: one to set aside $25 million for the state Department of Justice, which filed its first suit this week against Trump’s bid to end birthright citizenship, and another to earmark $25 million for nonprofits to represent Californians facing detention or deportation.
“I feel, personally, that ‘Trump-proofing’ is a missed opportunity to urge the president for meaningful change,” Hurtado said. “We should be working with the president to ensure that public safety deportations are targeted, protecting communities from genuine threats, while safeguarding the dignity and rights of hardworking immigrants.”
CALIFORNIA POLITICS TRUMP WILDFIRES FEDERAL AID NEWSOM
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
California wildfires live updates: Gov. Newsom orders investigation of Los Angeles water supplyAt least 10 people have been confirmed dead in California's wildfires, and that number is expected to grow. Fire crews are making progress, but bracing for a weekend return of the Santa Ana winds.
Read more »
Trump Blames Newsom for California Wildfires, Newsom Rebukes ClaimsFormer President Donald Trump blames California Governor Gavin Newsom's policies for the ongoing wildfires, stating Newsom refused to sign a water restoration declaration. Newsom's office denies the existence of such a declaration and asserts his focus on public safety and providing firefighters with necessary resources.
Read more »
California Wildfire Victim Demands Newsom's Action, Newsom Claims to Call BidenA California wildfire victim confronted Governor Gavin Newsom, demanding immediate action and accountability for the devastating fires. Newsom claimed to be speaking with President Biden but faced scrutiny when the call was not immediately established.
Read more »
Comedian Steve Byrne Calls Gavin Newsom’s Mismanagement of Los Angeles Fires ‘Criminal’Source of breaking news and analysis, insightful commentary and original reporting, curated and written specifically for the new generation of independent and conservative thinkers.
Read more »
Celebrities Condemn Gavin Newsom as Fires Level Los AngelesAs wildfires continue to devastate large areas of Southern California, a number of stars are speaking out.
Read more »
Los Angeles wildfires death toll rises to 16 as Gavin Newsom faces new firefighting funding scrutinyCalifornia authorities have confirmed a new death toll of 16 as wildfires continue to rage around Los Angeles on Sunday. Meanwhile, Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing criticism for approving a budget that slashed $100 million in firefighting and fire prevention funding.
Read more »