“Trump Claims Military Activated Water Supply in California – State Officials Deny Allegation”
Trump has critisized the state for its handling of the recent wildfires, chiding officials after some fire hydrants ran dry in Los Angeles. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has repeatedly defended his state’s water system and hit back at Trump’s criticisms. “Maybe the president doesn’t know that there’s not a spigot that can be turned to solve all the water problems that he alleges exist that don’t exist when it comes to the state water system here in California,” he told reporters last week before the president’s visit.
Newsom met Trump upon his arrival in California on Friday and the two men, whose relationship has often been contentious, spoke with the media. Newsom said the state will need the president’s support in the recovery effort. “We’re going to get it done,” Trump responded.
The Palisades and Eaton fires broke out on Jan. 7 and have torched an area larger than the city of Miami, destroyed thousands of structures and killed at least 29 people. Firefighters have increased containment on both blazes and others in Los Angeles County and San Diego County as winds slowed and rain eased dry conditions. (This story has been updated to add additional information.)
Contributing: Terry Collins, Bart Jansen, Zac Anderson, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: California officials, Trump disagree over who turned on the water.
