Gavin Newsom Slams Trump for Putting Conditions on Wildfire Support: 'Conditioning Aid for American Citizens Is Wrong'

California Governor Gavin Newsom has condemned Donald Trump for tying federal wildfire aid to demands for voter ID laws and changes to the state's water policies, calling the move "wrong" and unfair to affected citizens.

Wildfires have ravaged Los Angeles and other areas in California, leaving dozens dead and displacing communities.

Federal aid discussions have become contentious, with President Trump insisting on conditions like stricter voter ID laws and increased water flow from northern California to southern regions, The Hill reported.

Trump has also criticized California's forest management and water policies for years, while pushing unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud.

Trump visited Los Angeles after touring hurricane recovery efforts in North Carolina, reiterating his demands for policy changes as prerequisites for federal disaster aid. Newsom met the president but publicly denounced the conditions, highlighting that existing California voting laws already require proof of residency and ID.

"Conditioning aid for American citizens is wrong," Newsom wrote on X.

Lawmakers are debating how to proceed with federal aid, with Republicans proposing to tie assistance to broader policy changes like voter ID mandates and fire management reforms.

Meanwhile, Democrats argue that such conditions set a dangerous precedent, prioritizing political agendas over urgent humanitarian needs.