Newsom Condemns Trump Over Insufficient Federal Aid for L.A. Fire Victims

Governor Gavin Newsom harshly criticized President Donald Trump and Congress for their inadequate response to federal disaster aid requests following the devastating Palisades Fire in Los Angeles. During a news conference, Newsom expressed deep frustration over the lack of response to his February request for $40 billion in federal assistance to address comprehensive recovery needs.

The substantial funding request was designed to cover essential recovery areas including housing costs, infrastructure rebuilding, economic development grants, low-interest loans, assistance for displaced workers, unemployment benefits, brush clearance, forest management, and low-income housing tax credits. Newsom emphasized what he perceived as a troubling double standard in federal disaster relief distribution, noting his previous support for Republican-led states during their own natural disasters.

He specifically referenced his assistance to Speaker Johnson during Louisiana's devastation and his deployment of personnel to aid Texas Governor Abbott during flood recovery efforts. Despite his criticism, federal assistance had already been partially provided, with the EPA completing hazardous material removal and the Army Corps clearing dangerous debris, plus $2 billion in FEMA grants and SBA loans previously announced.