Trump’s Warning About California Wildfire Crisis Proves Accurate Amid Devastating Blazes

President-elect Donald Trump’s warning about California’s wildfire risks has resurfaced as devastating fires rage across the state. Over two months ago, during an October interview with Joe Rogan, Trump criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) for mismanaging the state’s water supply and forest maintenance—factors he said would fuel a catastrophic wildfire season. Trump’s concerns about arson and fire prevention were echoed in the interview, where he emphasized how such issues could lead to worsening fires.

In Los Angeles, Trump stated, “you can’t get proper amounts of water” during his conversation with Rogan. He recounted driving through barren farmlands in California and learning from lawmakers that water was being diverted into the Pacific Ocean to protect the delta smelt, a small fish species. Trump argued that this water could have been used to irrigate farmland and hydrate dry forests, reducing wildfire risks.

Trump’s concerns about forest management and water policy echoed his previous clashes with Newsom. In 2020, Newsom sued the Trump administration to block federal water rules that would have sent more than 600,000 acre-feet of water annually to southern California. Trump insisted that releasing more water could have prevented California’s forests from becoming dangerously dry.

As California now battles deadly fires with little containment, critics are pointing to Trump’s comments as a warning that was ignored. On Truth Social, Trump slammed Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for what he called “gross negligence,” accusing them of failing to manage the crisis. “Fire is spreading rapidly for 3 days—ZERO CONTAINMENT. Gross incompetence by Gavin Newscum and Karen Bass,” Trump posted.

The Biden administration’s FEMA response has also come under fire. Trump criticized FEMA for being underfunded, blaming wasteful spending on “Green New Scam” initiatives instead of disaster preparedness. Meanwhile, thousands have been forced to flee their homes, and the fires continue to spread.

This latest disaster reignites longstanding criticism of California’s forest management and water policies. Trump had previously warned Newsom to prioritize clearing dead trees and brush to reduce fire risks, but his advice was dismissed in favor of environmental policies.

With lives and property now in jeopardy, many are questioning whether California leaders should have listened to Trump’s early warnings about the state’s vulnerability to wildfire disasters.

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