California Governor Urges Trump to Listen to 40 Million Americans
President-elect Donald Trump has not responded to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s invitation to tour California’s fire damage, Newsom said Saturday afternoon. Newsom sent a letter on Friday inviting the incoming president to California to meet with fire victims, survey the devastation in Los Angeles County, and join him in thanking first responders.
Urgent Plea for Assistance
The invitation marked a slight change in tone in the political battle between Newsom and Trump, with Newsom imploring Trump not to politicize the tragedy. Newsom emphasized the importance of Trump respecting the pleas of 40 million Californians, hundreds of thousands of people still evacuated, and the ongoing recovery effort that includes searching for human remains with cadaver dogs.
Rebuilding Efforts and Federal Aid
Newsom’s plea for Trump to stand with California residents as they rebuild was echoed by Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger. The catastrophic cluster of fires has wrought unprecedented destruction in the greater Los Angeles area, leveling thousands of structures and claiming at least 13 lives. The rebuilding effort is estimated to cost billions and will test relationships at all levels of government.
President Biden has pledged that the federal government will cover 100% of disaster assistance costs to California for the next 180 days. However, with Biden leaving office on Jan. 20, the recovery effort is expected to span years. Newsom, whose term in office ends in 2026, is widely seen as eyeing the White House and has leveraged California’s liberal stance against Trump to elevate his national profile.
Political Tensions and Preparation
The war of words between Newsom and Trump has been a defining feature of their relationship, with Newsom positioning himself as a fighter for Democratic values against the Trump regime. Despite the tensions, Newsom has emphasized the need to prepare to protect environmental policies, abortion access, and other state priorities from potential challenges.
When asked about reigniting tensions with the incoming president, Newsom defended his actions, citing the importance of preparing for potential assaults on California’s values and diverse communities. While acknowledging past collaborations with Trump during the COVID-19 pandemic, Newsom has also pushed back against recent right-wing attacks on social media and launched a website to counter misinformation about the fires.
As California continues to grapple with the aftermath of devastating fires, Newsom’s call for unity and support from the incoming administration remains a critical plea for aid and solidarity in the face of unprecedented challenges.