During a recent campaign rally in Coachella, California, former President Donald Trump once again threatened to withhold federal funds used to fight fires in California if reelected. Trump specifically targeted Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom over water rules in the state, accusing him of mismanaging the water situation with environmental regulations that allegedly hurt farmers.
Trump's remarks included a promise to prioritize the needs of farmers and address the water situation in California. He warned Newsom that if changes were not made, federal disaster relief funds for forest fires would be at risk.
This is not the first time Trump has made such threats. In a previous news conference at his golf club in Los Angeles, he also mentioned withholding disaster relief funds as a consequence of what he perceives as mismanagement by state officials.
During his campaign in California, a traditionally Democratic stronghold, Trump criticized Newsom and the state's policies. He highlighted issues such as high inflation, taxes, gas prices, cost of living, regulations, utilities costs, homelessness, crime rates, decay, and illegal immigration.
Trump's comments reflect ongoing tensions between the former president and California's leadership, particularly on issues related to environmental regulations, disaster response, and governance. The threat to withhold federal funds adds another layer of controversy to the political landscape in the state.
