No federal aid for LA if California doesn’t change water policies: President Trump

WASHINGTON: President Trump on Wednesday threatened to withhold federal disaster aid for wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles unless California changes the state’s approach on its management of water.

In a Fox News interview, Trump repeated false claims that the state’s fish conservation efforts in the northern part of the state are responsible for fire hydrants running dry in urban areas. He says the blame for Los Angeles’ struggles to tame some of the deadly fires lies with Democratic governor Gavin Newsom, a political foe who has called for partnership and mutual respect as the state fights the blazes.

“I don’t think we should give California anything until they let the water run down,” Trump said. The president levelled the threat as he prepares for the first presidential trip of his second term. On Friday, he will visit southern California in addition to western North Carolina, which is recovering after Hurricane Helene pummeled the area more than three months ago.

(Credit: Reuters)