The Trump administration will place “strings” on recovery support to California after the state faces a fatal wildfire, Trump envoy Rick Grenell said Friday.
“The federal government's response is primarily money, so they'll have a string about the money they give to California,” said Grenell, an envoy for President Trump's special mission, and the Conservative Political Action Council (CPAC). He spoke in an interview with Politico.
He cited state policies related to water and forestry. While the fire was raging, Trump also criticized the state's water policy. But experts said Trump's idea of pumping more water from the northern part of the state to the hills at the time was unrealistic and unnecessary.
Meanwhile, Grenell didn't say exactly what the conditions would do, but said the California Coast Commission, which seeks to protect the state's coastline, should be given a “refund.”
Grenell is considering running for the California governor. But Republicans will face a tough battle in the overwhelmingly blue state.
His comment is It's not the first time The administration has indicated that California will be conditioned on aid. Past Trump said support could depend on state water, forestry, immigration and voter ID policies.
Jared Gans contributed.
