US President Donald Trump has threatened to withhold federal disaster assistance to Los Angeles, which has been severely impacted by wildfires, unless California reformulates its water management policies. During a Fox News interview, he repeated claims that the state’s fish conservation measures are hindering water availability for firefighting in urban areas, blaming Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom for the state’s challenges in controlling the fires. Trump stated, “I don’t think we should give California anything until they let the water run down,” as he prepares for his first presidential visit of his second term to Southern California and North Carolina, recovering from Hurricane Helene.
Moreover, he indicated a desire for Federal Emergency Management Agency reform, stating it obstructs state-level solutions. Trump’s administration is also grappling with other priorities, including sending 1,500 active-duty troops to reinforce border security. As the Republican Party deliberates on its legislative strategy, Trump has engaged in discussions with vulnerable House Republicans and is planning to speak at their retreat. In additional developments, he nominated Andrew Puzder as the EU ambassador and Sean Curran as the new US Secret Service director. Trump also expressed his interest in seeing investigations into former President Joe Biden, drawing attention to his own legal challenges.