As California grapples with devastation from wildfires, one politician wants aid to the area halted.
Republican Congressman Warren Davidson of Ohio has called for federal disaster relief to be withheld unless California reforms its forestry management practices.
“If they want the money, then there should be consequences where they have to change their policies,” Davidson told Fox Business, referencing the rapid spread of fires and linking aid to reform.
His remarks coincided with Governor Gavin Newsom urging leaders to avoid politicizing the crisis, which has killed residents and destroyed thousands of homes. Newsom temporarily extended an olive branch, inviting Trump to visit affected areas and meet first responders, writing, “In the spirit of this great country, we must not politicize human tragedy or spread disinformation from the sidelines.” However, Newsom also criticized Trump’s repeated claims about state water mismanagement and the delta smelt, calling them “delusional” and “profoundly ignorant.”
Trump, set to begin a second term, has previously accused California of “gross mismanagement” during past wildfire crises. On Friday, Newsom warned that Trump’s rhetoric, including threats to withhold federal relief funds, was concerning. “He’s done it in the past, not just here in California,” Newsom said, citing Puerto Rico and other states.
Meanwhile, President Biden approved a disaster declaration, covering fire management costs for six months. With Biden’s term ending soon, federal recovery efforts for California will hinge on Trump’s decisions and a Republican-controlled Congress.
