Former President Donald Trump has attributed the devastating wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles County to California Governor Gavin Newsom's water management policies. Trump alleges that Newsom prioritized protecting the Delta smelt, a small fish, over ensuring ample water resources for firefighting efforts.

In a Truth Social post, Trump claimed Newsom rejected a "water restoration declaration" that would have diverted water from the northern part of the state to areas now affected by the fires. He criticized Newsom's focus on the smelt while neglecting the needs of Californians, asserting that the governor's actions led to inadequate water for fire hydrants and firefighting aircraft.

Newsom's communications director, Izzy Gardon, refuted Trump's claims, stating that no such document exists and that the governor is prioritizing public safety and providing firefighters with necessary resources. Gardon emphasized that their focus is on battling the blazes, not engaging in political disputes.

Following the rapid escalation of the Palisades Fire, Newsom declared a state of emergency and highlighted the extreme fire risk posed by strong winds. He expressed gratitude to firefighters and first responders while urging Southern California residents to heed weather reports and official guidance.

During his previous campaign, Trump pledged to increase California's water supply by diverting water from northern regions. He described a "large faucet" that could redirect water flow towards Los Angeles, a system currently prioritized for environmental protection of the Delta smelt and Chinook salmon populations.

Trump has consistently scrutinized Newsom's wildfire prevention strategies, even threatening to withhold federal funding during his first term. He has previously attributed California's wildfires to poor forest management. Newsom and other Democrats have countered that climate change and global warming are the primary drivers of these fires.

In 2019, Newsom dismissed Trump's criticism, stating that the former president was "excused from this conversation" due to his stance on climate change.