Los Angeles, California — Former President Donald Trump has seized on the ongoing wildfires ravaging Los Angeles to reignite his long-standing feud with California Governor Gavin Newsom. As devastating wildfires continue to threaten thousands of homes and force evacuations across the region, Trump has criticized Newsom’s handling of the crisis, accusing the governor of failing to effectively manage the state’s wildfire response.
In a series of posts on social media, Trump took aim at Newsom, who has been at the forefront of the state’s emergency efforts. “California’s Governor, Gavin Newsom, has once again proven incapable of managing the state’s wildfires. The people of California deserve better leadership,” Trump wrote, adding that Newsom’s policies on climate change and forest management were directly contributing to the scale of the fires.
Trump, who has long been a vocal critic of Newsom’s policies, particularly in the areas of environmental regulation and energy, suggested that his approach to forest management and land use was inadequate, claiming it had led to an increase in the frequency and severity of wildfires. “We need strong leadership, and Gavin Newsom is simply not up to the job. It’s time for change,” Trump said during a press conference.
In response, Governor Newsom quickly fired back, accusing Trump of using the disaster for political gain. “In the middle of a crisis, we need unity, not petty partisan attacks. It’s time for leaders to put aside their differences and focus on saving lives,” Newsom said during a briefing, emphasizing the coordinated efforts by state agencies and local firefighters to tackle the fires.
The exchange comes as wildfires continue to spread across Los Angeles County, with emergency responders working tirelessly to contain the flames. Thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate their homes, and more than 100,000 acres of land have been scorched. Local officials are calling for greater federal support as the state struggles to manage the crisis.
Amid the chaos, Trump’s remarks have divided opinion across the state and nation. Some of his supporters, particularly those critical of California’s Democratic leadership, have applauded his statements as a call for accountability, while others have condemned the use of a natural disaster for political posturing.
“This is not the time for finger-pointing. We need all hands on deck to combat these fires,” said Maria Garcia, a Los Angeles resident. “It’s a tragedy that people are trying to score political points instead of focusing on the real issue.”
On the other hand, Republican allies of Trump have echoed his criticism, claiming that Newsom’s leadership has been ineffective in addressing long-term environmental issues that have contributed to the fires. “California needs new leadership that understands how to protect the state from these catastrophic events,” said Republican strategist John Sullivan.
With the fires showing no signs of slowing down, and as California’s political landscape remains sharply divided, it is clear that the wildfire crisis will continue to be a focal point in the national debate over climate change, emergency management, and political accountability.
