President Donald Trump didn’t hold back in a fiery interview on Wednesday, slamming California Governor Gavin Newsom over wildfires, sanctuary cities, and overall state mismanagement. Speaking with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Trump called Newsom an “idiot” for defending sanctuary city policies and failing to address California’s glaring issues.
Trump rages against sanctuary cities
“Sanctuary cities are not what the people want,” Trump declared. He argued that Newsom and other “radical left politicians” push these policies without public support.
The former president claimed Newsom couldn’t even defend his stance. “I watched him try to explain sanctuary cities,” Trump said. “He couldn’t answer. He looked like an idiot.”
Trump’s remarks marked his first televised sit-down since returning to the White House, and he made it clear he wasn’t done criticizing Newsom.
Wildfires and forest mismanagement
Trump didn’t stop at sanctuary cities. He also blamed Newsom for the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, claiming poor forest management and water mismanagement were to blame.
“I warned him years ago,” Trump said. “You have to manage your forests. Now look at Los Angeles. It’s like a nuclear bomb went off.”
The president described the fire as unstoppable. “It raged from one area to the next. It lasted over a week. We looked weak,” he said.
Trump also slammed California’s decision to divert stormwater into the Pacific Ocean. “Millions of gallons of water wasted,” he said. “Why not let it flow south to help prevent disasters like this?”
Lessons from abroad
Trump hinted at bringing international expertise to California. He recalled advice from Finland and Austria about forest management. “They told me, ‘We live in forests. We are a forest nation.’ It’s beautiful. And they don’t burn like California.”
Newsom’s “Trump-proof” plan
Newsom, however, isn’t backing down. Ahead of Trump’s inauguration, the California governor requested $25 million in emergency funds to “Trump-proof” the state.
His office said the money would protect disaster relief, health care, and other vital services under Trump’s administration.
Newsom’s administration is also preparing to shield undocumented immigrants from deportation. An internal memo revealed plans for an “Immigrant Support Network” to connect migrants with legal and support groups.
No plans to meet
When asked if he plans to meet Newsom to discuss wildfire recovery, Trump didn’t give a clear answer.
As California faces mounting challenges, the tension between Trump and Newsom shows no signs of easing. With both leaders digging in their heels, the political firestorm rages on, much like the wildfires they debate.
