US President-elect Donald Trump intensified his criticism of California’s wildfire response on Sunday, accusing state leaders of incompetence as fires continued to devastate areas around Los Angeles. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump described the wildfires as “one of the worst catastrophes in the history of our Country” and questioned the state’s ability to manage the crisis.
“The fires are still raging in L.A. The incompetent pols have no idea how to put them out,” Trump wrote. “They just can’t put out the fires. What’s wrong with them?”
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a frequent target of Trump’s attacks, responded in a measured tone during an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, urging Trump to visit the state to witness the devastation firsthand.
“I called for him to come out, take a look for himself,” Newsom said. “We want to do it in the spirit of an open hand, not a closed fist. He’s the president-elect.”
Newsom also addressed Trump’s repeated insults, including the revival of the dismissive nickname “Newscum,” saying, “Responding to Donald Trump’s insults, we would spend another month. Every elected official that he disagrees with is very familiar with them.”
Despite their contentious history, Newsom tempered his remarks, perhaps mindful of Trump’s past threats to cut federal wildfire aid to California. In a letter shared on social media, Newsom appealed for unity and invited Trump to meet with affected residents and thank first responders.
“In the spirit of this great country, we must not politicize human tragedy or spread disinformation,” Newsom wrote. “I invite you to come to California again — to meet with the Americans affected by these fires, see the devastation firsthand, and join me in thanking the heroic firefighters and first responders.”
The wildfires, including the Palisades Fire, have claimed at least 16 lives, displaced 150,000 people, and destroyed over 12,000 structures, according to state officials. The flames have continued to advance toward the densely populated San Fernando Valley and the Getty Center, which houses priceless art collections.
Trump’s post highlighted the destruction: “Thousands of magnificent houses are gone, and many more will soon be lost. There is death all over the place.”
California officials have faced sharp criticism from Trump, other Republicans, and residents demanding answers about the state’s wildfire preparedness and planning. Firefighters remain on high alert as they battle to contain the advancing flames and protect lives and property in the affected areas.
