Trump threatens to cut aid for California fires…and here’s why
In his first interview since taking office, Trump told Fox News, “I don’t think we’re going to give California anything, until they let the water flow” south.
Federal aid to California
After the forest fires that swept through Los Angeles in early January, claiming the lives of at least 28 people so far and destroying more than 15,000 buildings according to estimates, there were reports of dry hydrants hindering efforts to put out the fires.
During the interview, Republican Trump praised California firefighters but criticized California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.
US media reported that Trump wrongly claimed that Newsom had refused to allow water to flow from Northern California to the Los Angeles area in an attempt to protect fish stocks.
Fallout from the Los Angeles fires
Meanwhile, The Washington Post reported that the intensity of the fires was not due to a lack of water in Northern California.
It quoted experts as saying that Los Angeles does not receive its water from the northern part of the state, noting that the president’s criticism of the way water is managed in California is nothing new.
Trump is expected to head to California tomorrow, Friday, where he is scheduled to visit areas affected by the fires.
Los Angeles fire developments
The US authorities issued evacuation orders or fire warnings to more than 50,000 people in North Los Angeles, California.
In the late morning, in just six hours, the Hughes Fire burned through more than 15 square miles (39 square kilometers) of trees and brush near Castaic Lake.
Castaic Lake is a popular recreational destination located about 64 kilometers from the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires, which have been burning for three weeks.
- For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter
