California Governor Gavin Newsom has extended an invitation to President-elect Donald Trump to visit the areas devastated by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles and meet the victims. This invitation comes after Trump blamed Newsom for the fires that have claimed at least 11 lives so far.
In response to Trump’s comments, Newsom emphasized the importance of unity during such crises, urging against politicizing the disaster or spreading misinformation. In a letter and a post on X, Newsom highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to support the affected communities.
On X, Newsom wrote, “@realDonaldTrump, as you prepare to assume the presidency once more, I invite you to come to California. The hundreds of thousands of Americans – displaced from their homes and fearful for their future – deserve to see us all working together in their best interests, not politicizing a human tragedy and spreading disinformation from the sidelines.”
In the letter, Newsom recalled the devastating wildfires of the past, including the 2018 Camp Fire and Woolsey Fire, which caused significant loss of life and property. He noted that California is once again facing one of its most destructive fires in history, with recent windstorms exacerbating the crisis.
“As you prepare to assume the presidency once more, I invite you to come to California again – to meet with the Americans affected by these fires, see the devastation firsthand, and join me and others in thanking the heroic firefighters and first responders who are putting their lives on the line,” Newsom wrote. “We must not politicize human tragedy or spread disinformation. The people of California deserve to see us working together to ensure a fast recovery and rebuild.”
The letter also mentioned the widespread destruction caused by the fires in the Greater Los Angeles Area, including the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Lidia, Woodley, and Kenneth Fires. Tens of thousands of acres have burned, and thousands of people have lost their homes and businesses.
This invitation came after Trump placed the blame for the fires on Governor Newsom. Trump accused Newsom of refusing to sign a water restoration declaration that would have enabled millions of gallons of water to flow into California, claiming it could have mitigated the fires.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration that would have allowed millions of gallons of water from excess rain and snow melt to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way. He wanted to protect an essentially worthless fish called a smelt, by giving it less water, but didn’t care about the people of California. Now the ultimate price is being paid.”
Trump further criticized Newsom’s handling of the situation, claiming that the lack of water for fire hydrants and firefighting planes contributed to the ongoing crisis. Newsom, however, continues to call for unity and cooperation, insisting that the focus should be on helping the victims and rebuilding California in the aftermath of this devastating disaster.
