California Governor Gavin Newsom met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing recovery efforts following devastating wildfires that ravaged parts of Southern California. The meeting, described by Newsom as "very productive," aimed to secure increased federal funding for disaster relief in the wake of the fires that affected tens of thousands of acres in the Los Angeles area.
Newsom’s visit to Washington included two meetings on Capitol Hill before his discussion with Trump. The governor’s office stated that he was seeking "unconditional disaster aid" to assist in the recovery process. In a statement, Newsom emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting, "As we approach one month since the devastating wildfires across Southern California, we continue to cut red tape to speed up recovery and clean up efforts as well as ensure rebuilding efforts are swift."
The governor expressed gratitude to Trump for his administration’s early support, particularly praising Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin for deploying over 1,000 personnel to assist with debris removal. Newsom remarked, "Thank you President Trump for coming to our communities to see this first hand, and meeting with me today to continue our joint efforts to support people impacted."
This meeting comes after a turbulent relationship between Newsom and Trump, particularly regarding the handling of the wildfires. Trump has previously criticized Newsom’s management of California’s forestry and water policies, even suggesting that the governor should resign. In a social media post, Trump referred to Newsom derogatorily, blaming him for the crisis. The president’s comments have sparked significant backlash, highlighting the tensions between state and federal responses to natural disasters.
Despite their past disagreements, Trump appeared willing to collaborate with Newsom during this meeting. He indicated a desire to work together to expedite aid, stating, "We’re looking to get something completed. And the way you get it completed is to work together." This shift in tone comes after Trump had previously threatened to withhold federal aid unless certain conditions were met, including changes to state water policies.
In response to the wildfires, Newsom has already approved approximately $2.5 billion in recovery efforts, which he hopes will be reimbursed by the federal government. The governor’s proactive approach reflects a commitment to ensuring that survivors receive the necessary resources and support.
As the recovery process continues, the collaboration between state and federal leaders will be crucial in addressing the aftermath of the wildfires and supporting affected communities. The meeting between Newsom and Trump marks a significant step towards potentially overcoming the political divides that have characterized their relationship in the past.