Newsom Holds Meeting with Trump and Congressional Leaders to Talk Fire Relief
California Governor Gavin Newsom is requesting support for recovery efforts following devastating fires in the Los Angeles region.
On February 5, California Gov. Gavin Newsom made a two-day visit to Washington to discuss funding for fire recovery with President Donald Trump and a bipartisan assembly of lawmakers.
According to Newsom’s office, the governor “expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the Trump Administration and specifically acknowledged EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for the agency’s prompt response,” which included sending 1,000 personnel to assist with debris removal.
During the meeting, Newsom informed Trump that California requires assistance to support families affected by the fires. He emphasized that California has previously extended help to other states and is now seeking similar support.
“Providing aid to Americans in need has been a longstanding tradition in this country, and during California’s moment of crisis, we are asking for the same support and commitment that we have shown to others,” Newsom stated in a February 6 announcement. “This effort will require a unified approach, and I remain dedicated, as always, to collaborating with everyone and anyone to ensure Californians receive the support and resources necessary to recover and rebuild.”
The governor’s office referred to the meeting with the president as “very productive.” Newsom expressed appreciation for the president’s collaboration with the state to manage recovery initiatives.
“The president is open to working with anyone from blue states or red states to achieve the best outcomes for the American people,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked during a February 5 press briefing. “He has consistently pressed Gavin Newsom and the mayor of Los Angeles on this issue.”
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“The destruction seen in Pacific Palisades and Altadena is not new,” Newsom remarked in a statement. “They exemplify the ongoing challenges posed by urban firestorms that have plagued communities worldwide. In response to the increasingly severe weather, which has rendered decades-old buildings ill-equipped for today’s conditions, these proposals are integral to a comprehensive state strategy focusing on enhancing wildfire and forest resilience, from forest management to significant investments in firefighting resources, community fortification, and the adoption of cutting-edge response technologies.”
The State Board of Forestry has been directed to enforce an “ember resistant” zone within five feet of residences situated in high fire risk areas.
Additionally, the order tasks Cal Fire with extending the classification of 1.4 million acres to the state’s two highest levels of fire danger. This adjustment aims to enhance building codes in the affected regions to lower the risk of urban wildfires.
State and local firefighting agencies are also expected to strengthen collaboration with federal authorities to enhance disaster response strategies.
