Governor Gavin Newsom is set to meet with President Donald Trump and other federal officials this Wednesday in Washington, D.C., seeking federal disaster relief funding to combat the severe wildfires that have ravaged California, particularly in the Los Angeles area. This visit comes on the heels of California’s state legislature passing a controversial $50 million allocation aimed at countering Trump’s policies.
In mid-January, Newsom agreed to the funding package during a special legislative session he called, which was prompted by ongoing wildfires. The governor has expressed frustration over Trump’s comments that he believes politicize the wildfires, particularly regarding California’s water management and forestry practices. The funding is intended for anti-Trump initiatives, and while the State Assembly quickly approved the bill, the State Senate initially hesitated before ultimately passing it earlier this week.
Newsom’s office confirmed that the governor has departed for the nation’s capital, where he will engage with members of Trump’s administration and Congress. While there is speculation that he will meet directly with Trump, a spokesperson for Newsom stated that the details of his schedule have not yet been finalized.
In recent weeks, Newsom has adopted a lower profile compared to his legislative colleagues, who have been actively pursuing measures to prepare for potential legal battles with the federal government. Trump has previously indicated his intention to appoint a “special master” to oversee how federal funds are spent on wildfire recovery to ensure accountability and prevent mismanagement by state and local authorities.
As Newsom seeks to secure vital federal aid for California’s wildfire recovery efforts, the interplay between state and federal responses continues to highlight the ongoing tensions between the governor and the Trump administration over disaster management and state policies.