California Governor Seeks Disaster Aid from President Trump for Wildfire-Ravaged Communities

Governor Gavin Newsom of California traveled to Washington on Tuesday to meet with President Trump and request disaster relief for Los Angeles communities devastated by last month's wildfires. This meeting marks Newsom's latest effort to improve relations with the White House, in contrast to other Democrats who have expressed growing concern about the new administration.

Newsom and Trump, who have publicly clashed but also collaborated closely during the president's first term, were scheduled to meet at the White House on Wednesday. Trump has repeatedly threatened to withhold disaster aid unless California modifies its water management practices, a contentious issue in an arid state where officials must balance the needs of agriculture, ecosystems, and thirsty cities. The president has also stated that he wants California to implement a voter identification law in order to receive federal funding for Los Angeles' wildfire recovery efforts.

Last month, wind-driven wildfires in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles and Altadena, California, claimed the lives of 29 people and left thousands of homes in ashes. Trump swiftly placed blame on Newsom and other California Democratic leaders for the devastation, even referring to the governor as "Newscum." Rebuilding the damaged communities is expected to cost tens of billions of dollars.