California Governor (and Podcaster) Gavin Newsom focused on anything, but rebuilt the devastated communities of Palisades and Eaton six months ago, instead obsessed with his presidential ambitions. [emphasis, links added]
Newsom asked Congress to provide Congress with $40 billion in firefighting. But he received nothing new, and even in the July 4 “a big and beautiful bill” signed by Donald Trump, he made no progress.
This is at least partly because Newsom is obsessed with attacking Trump — partly based on real policy differences, but also because California governors seem to be preparing for the presidential campaign.
Instead of adopting the diplomatic attitude that Newsom has taken during the coronavirus pandemic, Newsom has ensured California has access to respirators and other aid, but is in the war.
Newsom bitterly opposed the “big and beautiful Bill”. He also signed a $50 million spending to stop the Trump administration's policy, seeking a nationwide ban on issues ranging from immigration to climate to tariffs.
California has even sued Trump to protect its administration’s popular policy of protecting female athletes from trans men, and the position taken by the news agency has been supported by Democratic bases and some others.
Newsom also lost to prevent President Trump from deploying the National Guard to assist in the riots in Los Angeles after left-wing activists attacked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials.
Despite this, Newsom insists on fighting the Trump administration and launching personal attacks on the president, claiming that the federal government should provide billions of dollars in aid.
Newsom plans to hold a press conference on Monday to mark the sixth anniversary of the fire. But the next day, he will leave the swing for two days in eight rural counties in South Carolina – a major major state.
Newsom's visit has been advertised and is an opportunity to discuss shared experiences of dealing with natural disasters. But Newsom's record is frustrating, and he has been struggling with fires and snowstorms.
On the ground in Los Angeles, progress was mixed. Despite rapid progress in clearing debris, local government authorities have been slow to grant reconstruction permits.
The state's troubled insurance market has restricted premiums facing growing risks through rules during Newsom's tenure, meaning many residents are underinsured due to the cost of reconstruction.
Many locals are frustrated, mainly in La Mayor Karen Bass and insurance companies working with Newsom. Most voters in California say the governor is too focused on himself.
After the wildfire, Newsom found time to launch a podcast, even angering Democratic voters while hosting conservative “influencers,” apparently to show that he could debate the opposition.
Newsom is banned from re-election next year due to term limits. His record on the fire will become even more obvious as he focuses on the 2028 presidential primary. His time to improve has run out.
Read more on Breitbart
