Trump Discussed Hanging California Wildfire Aid Over Democrat's Heads in Debt Ceiling Fight: Report

President-elect Donald Trump reportedly discussed tying aid for California's historic wildfires to the debt ceiling increase, as lawmakers gear up for what is set to become a salient sticking point in the political conversation next year.

The conversations took place during a dinner at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate on Sunday, attended by some two dozen House Republicans. Several caucus leaders and appropriators were present, according to Politico, but House Speaker Mike Johnson wasn't. No final decisions were made about the issue, the outlet added.

Reaching an agreement on the debt ceiling will be a top issue for Republicans during the first part of the Trump administration, especially as the incoming president seeks to deal with it quickly. It is likely some lawmakers will reject tying disaster aid to such conversations.

The federal government is flush with cash for disaster relief after approving $100 billion at the end of the year. However, that figure has been already largely exceeded by the wildfires, with costs already estimated at over $150 billion.

It is not the first time Republicans seek to put conditions on aid to California as fires continue to blaze through Los Angeles and the death toll rise. An Ohio Rep. suggested on Sunday that federal disaster aid should be withheld unless the state reviews its forestry management policies.

Warren Davidson said "no doubt we need to address fires, but the problem with California is forestry management." "All these things that they're doing are making it far easier for fires to grow and spread and be huge."

"If they want the money, then there should be consequences where they have to change their policies," Davidson said. "I mean, we support the people that are plagued by disaster, but we have to put pressure on the California government to change course here."

Governor Gavin Newsom pushed back, highlighting California's significant investments in forest management since 2019 and calling for unity rather than politicization of disaster relief.

Firefighters are bracing for the return of strong winds that could further complicate efforts after some progress during the weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of a "particularly dangerous situation" starting on Monday and going into Tuesday. The NWS said it expects sustained winds of up to 40 mph and gusts in the mountains reaching 70 mph. Tuesday is expected to be the most dangerous day. The four main fires have consumed more than 62 square miles in Los Angeles.