Newsom Clashes with Trump Over Wildfires, Praises Biden’s Leadership Amid Crisis

California Governor Gavin Newsom strongly rebuked President-elect Donald Trump for his recent comments about the devastating wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles County.

In an interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper on Wednesday, Newsom criticized Trump for politicizing the crisis while praising President Joe Biden for his decisive and compassionate leadership during the disaster.

“People are literally fleeing,” Newsom said, describing the devastation. “Lives have been lost, schools destroyed, families torn apart, and churches burned to the ground. Instead of showing support, this guy [Trump] wanted to politicize it.

Meanwhile, President Biden stood with us, backing every single person in this community. He didn’t play politics.”

Earlier in the day, Biden visited Los Angeles alongside Newsom to receive a briefing on the fires, which have claimed at least five lives and forced thousands to evacuate. Biden pledged full federal support and declared a Major Disaster for California.

The president canceled a planned trip to Italy this weekend to focus on directing federal relief efforts, a move welcomed by local officials and emergency responders.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed Biden’s decision to postpone his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Pope Francis.

“President Biden remains focused on the federal response to the historic fires raging in Los Angeles County,” Jean-Pierre said.

During his briefing at a Santa Monica fire station, Biden called the fires “astounding” and commended the coordinated efforts of firefighters from California and neighboring states, including Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Tony Marrone confirmed that federal resources, including five Forest Service air tankers, 10 helicopters, and dozens of fire engines, were being deployed to support local crews battling three major blazes in the region.

Trump, however, lashed out at Newsom on Truth Social, accusing the governor of failing to take action to prevent such disasters.

Trump claimed that Newsom refused to sign a water restoration declaration that could have diverted millions of gallons from northern California to drought-stricken areas, including Los Angeles County.

“Governor Gavin Newscum refused to act,” Trump wrote. “He prioritized protecting a worthless fish called a smelt over the people of California. Now, Californians are paying the ultimate price. No water for fire hydrants, no support for firefighting planes—a true disaster!”

The smelt, a fish protected under federal and state regulations, has long been a point of contention in California’s water management policies.

Trump’s earlier administration argued in 2019 that pumping more water would not harm the species, a claim disputed by environmentalists. Newsom has consistently defended his policies, emphasizing the need for sustainable water management while addressing California’s growing wildfire crisis.

Newsom dismissed Trump’s criticism as uninformed and harmful, asserting that Biden’s approach contrasts sharply with Trump’s divisive rhetoric.

“The President of the United States today had our backs,” Newsom said. “He showed leadership, empathy, and a willingness to help. That’s the kind of support Californians need during this crisis.”

As fires continue to ravage Los Angeles County, officials remain focused on containment and relief efforts. Biden’s decision to cancel his overseas trip underscores the gravity of the situation and his administration’s commitment to aiding affected communities.

Meanwhile, the clash between Newsom and Trump highlights the stark differences in leadership styles during one of California’s most challenging disasters.