President Donald Trump was greeted by California Governor Gavin Newsom upon arriving in Los Angeles on Friday. The meeting followed Trump’s sharp criticism of Newsom’s handling of the state’s wildfire crisis and other management issues.
Trump, 78, and Newsom, 57, engaged in a brief but animated exchange on the tarmac after Trump descended from Air Force One. The interaction featured a mix of gestures, including pointing, a fist pump, and a thumbs-up. Both leaders also exchanged shoulder pats, and Newsom greeted First Lady Melania Trump with a kiss on the cheek.
“I appreciate the governor coming out and meeting me, Gavin,” Trump said to reporters after the exchange. Newsom had announced the previous evening that he would meet the president, despite not being formally invited. Trump acknowledged the devastation caused by the wildfires, likening it to the aftermath of a bombing. “You got hit by a bomb,” he told Newsom.
The president emphasized the need for solutions, saying, “We’ll be talking a little bit. We want to get it fixed. We want to get the problem fixed. And there will be some ways.” Trump also assured, “We will get it permanently fixed so it can’t happen again.”
In turn, Newsom thanked Trump publicly for his presence and support. “Most importantly, thank you for being here. It means a great deal to us. We’re going to need your support. We’re going to need your help,” the governor said. He also referenced the federal government’s assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding, “You were there for us during COVID — I don’t forget that. And I have all the expectations that we’ll be able to work together to get the speedy recovery.”
The visit came amid tensions between the two leaders. Earlier this month, Trump had called for Newsom’s resignation, accusing him of mismanaging state resources, particularly water supplies, which Trump claimed prioritized protecting an endangered fish species over wildfire prevention. Meanwhile, Newsom has countered Trump’s criticisms, accusing him of spreading misinformation about California’s challenges.
Trump’s visit also highlighted a contentious political condition tied to federal aid. Hours before the trip, the president suggested that disaster assistance for California could be contingent on the state adopting stricter voter ID laws. When asked about this by a reporter, Newsom sidestepped the issue, saying, “I have all the confidence in the world we’ll work that out.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed Trump’s criticisms, blaming Newsom for the severity of the wildfire damage. “Certainly Gavin Newsom — or ‘Newscum,’ as President Trump likes to call him — has wronged the people of his state,” Leavitt said aboard Air Force One.
The wildfires, which have caused an estimated $250 billion in damage, were exacerbated by dry fire hydrants and delayed responses in some areas. As California faces the long road to recovery, the exchange between Trump and Newsom reflected the broader political and practical challenges in addressing the state’s crises.
Newsom had it coming. Wait till Trump hears about New Mexico politicians standing in the path of his illegal immigration mandate. YIKES!