Trump slams Newsom over sanctuary cities, wildfire mismanagement
By isabelle // 2025-01-25
Copy
 
  • President Trump criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom as an "idiot" for his handling of sanctuary cities and wildfire prevention during a Fox News interview.
  • Trump said sanctuary cities are unpopular among Californians and accused Newsom of prioritizing ideology over practical governance.
  • Trump blamed Newsom’s forest and water management policies for exacerbating wildfires, citing water diversion and budget cuts to firefighting efforts.
  • Newsom’s attempts to “Trump-proof” California’s laws, including climate and immigration policies, have drawn criticism as politically motivated.
In a fiery interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, President Donald Trump took aim at California Gov. Gavin Newsom, calling him an “idiot” for his handling of sanctuary cities and wildfire prevention. The criticism comes as the Golden State grapples with the aftermath of devastating wildfires and ongoing debates over immigration policies. Trump’s remarks highlight a growing divide between conservative leadership and California’s progressive agenda, with the president accusing Newsom of prioritizing ideology over practical governance.

Sanctuary cities: A policy Californians don’t want

Trump didn’t mince words when addressing Newsom’s support for sanctuary cities, which shield undocumented immigrants from federal immigration enforcement. “If you actually polled the people, they don’t want sanctuary cities,” Trump said. “But Gavin Newsom does, and these radical left politicians do.” He added that Newsom appeared unable to defend the policy, saying, “He looked like an idiot. He was unable to answer.” It is clear that sanctuary cities strain local resources and undermine federal immigration laws, creating a haven for illegal immigration.

Wildfire mismanagement

Trump also lambasted Newsom for what he called poor forest management and water policies that exacerbated the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. “I took criticism because I said, ‘You have to manage your forest,’” Trump recalled. “That’s like a nuclear weapon went off. What’s happened to Los Angeles?” The president pointed to Newsom’s decision to divert millions of gallons of water from Northern California to the Pacific Ocean instead of using it to combat fires. “Why is it that you don’t want millions of gallons of water a day pouring throughout California?” Trump asked. Critics have echoed these concerns, noting that California’s failure to store and allocate water effectively has left the state vulnerable to wildfires. Adding fuel to the fire, Newsom’s administration recently cut $101 million from the state’s firefighting budget, even as it poured billions into green energy initiatives. Republican Assembly Leader James Gallagher stated, “Instead of addressing urgent needs like wildfire prevention, [Newsom] has focused on policies that burden Californians with higher costs.”

Newsom tried to "Trump-proof" CA laws

Newsom’s attempts to “Trump-proof” California’s laws have also drawn scrutiny. Following Trump’s 2024 election victory, Newsom called for a special legislative session to safeguard the state’s progressive policies on climate change, reproductive rights, and immigration. He also requested $25 million in emergency funding to prepare for legal battles with the Trump administration. While Newsom framed the move as a necessary defense of California’s values, critics see it as a reactionary effort to protect his political ambitions. However, Trump supporters argue that Newsom’s actions reflect a broader pattern of resistance to federal authority, which undermines national unity. As California faces the dual challenges of natural disasters and political polarization, Newsom’s leadership is under increasing scrutiny. Trump’s criticisms highlight the tension between conservative and progressive approaches to governance, with the president accusing Newsom of prioritizing ideology over practical solutions. Whether it’s sanctuary cities, wildfire prevention, or attempts to “Trump-proof” state laws, Newsom’s policies have sparked fierce debate. For now, the question remains: Can California recover from its current crises under Newsom’s leadership, or will the state’s progressive agenda continue to clash with the realities of governance? As Trump and Newsom’s rivalry intensifies, the stakes for California could not be higher. Sources for this article include: NYPost.com APNews.com NYPost.com KTVU.com
Copy