Overview

• President Trump directed the release of 1.6 billion gallons of water from two California reservoirs under an executive order aimed at increasing water deliveries in the state.
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers carried out the releases, which startled local officials who were given only two hours' notice and feared flooding in downstream areas.
• The water, originally claimed by Trump to aid Southern California firefighters, has no feasible route to wildfire-affected areas and was deemed unnecessary by experts and local officials.
• Critics, including Senator Alex Padilla, condemned the lack of coordination and potential risks to agricultural land and communities, calling the move reckless and poorly planned.
• Water experts warn that the releases could harm long-term water reserves, especially if California faces future drought conditions.