Trump threatens to withhold federal aid for Los Angeles over state's water policies – what to know

FILE-President-elect Donald Trump speaks to members of the media during a press conference at the Mar-a-Lago Club on January 07, 2025 in Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

President Donald Trump is threatening to withhold federal disaster funds for the Los Angeles area devastated by wildfires unless California leadership changes the state’s water policies. 

What they're saying:

During a FOX News interview, Trump made false assertions that California’s fish conservation efforts in the northern part of the state are responsible for fire hydrants running out of water in neighborhoods, the Associated Press reported. 

"I don’t think we should give California anything until they let the water run down," Trump said.

The president also claims the blame for Los Angeles’ struggles to contain some of the deadly fires is on Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom as the state fights the fires. 

RELATED: Why are winter wildfires happening in Southern California?

Local perspective:

Newsom has faced criticism from some residents for water mismanagement as fire hydrants in Los Angeles have run dry as the wildfires continue to cause massive damage to the area. 

Trump made the threat as he prepares to travel to Southern California on Friday but it’s unclear if he will meet with Newsome during the visit, the AP reported. 

RELATED: How do you measure wildfire containment?

Trump also in the FOX interview also called for reform of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, claiming it is "getting in the way of everything."

"I’d rather see the states take care of their own problems," Trump said. He did not elaborate on his proposed reforms, only saying that the agency is "going to be a whole big discussion very shortly."

The California wildfires have caused at least $28 billion in insured damage and probably a little more in uninsured damage, the AP reported, citing calculations by Karen Clark and Company, a disaster modeling firm known for accurate post-catastrophe damage assessments.

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