Instead, he’s claiming he could do a better job managing the crisis, spewing falsehoods and casting blame on the state’s Democratic governor.
Trump criticized Governor Gavin Newsom’s forest management strategies and wrongly stated that the state’s efforts to conserve fish were causing fire hydrants to run dry in cities.
Trump’s support in California has increased in recent years, which could further embolden him in his tussles with Democratic leaders there.
In 2024, he improved on his vote share in Los Angeles and surrounding areas hit by the fires by 4.68 percentage points.
And while he still lost the state overall, he grew his overall margin by 4 points compared to the 2020 election.
Trump mentioned the impact of the fires on Californians, highlighting that areas in and around Beverly Hills were suffering severe damage, affecting his friends who live there. He also noted the potential financial implications for the state.
He emphasized the destruction of large and valuable homes, expressing concern about the possible consequences for California’s tax revenue if wealthy inhabitants decide to relocate, leading to a significant reduction in the state’s tax base.
