Trump and Newsom Clash Over Federal Aid as LA Wildfires Devastate Communities

California Governor Gavin Newsom urges unity and federal support while President-elect Donald Trump criticizes state policies.

Wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed 11 lives, burned over 37,000 acres, and forced mass evacuations, with dangerous winds expected to worsen conditions over the weekend.
Governor Gavin Newsom has called on President-elect Donald Trump to visit the affected areas and ensure federal disaster aid, emphasizing the need for collaboration over political division.
Trump has criticized Newsom's handling of water policies and wildfire prevention, suggesting federal aid could be conditional, sparking concerns about his approach to disaster relief after taking office.
Newsom has defended his administration's wildfire prevention efforts, citing increased budgets for CAL FIRE and forest management since taking office in 2019.
President Joe Biden has declared the wildfires a major disaster, committing federal support, though uncertainty remains about how the incoming Trump administration will handle ongoing relief efforts.