Trump Critiques Newsom Amid Wildfire Issues
During a recent meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, President Donald Trump commented on California Governor Gavin Newsom, suggesting that while Newsom “loves” him and might be eyeing a presidential run, his handling of wildfires and other concerns could deter him from entering the race.
Trump also criticized California’s high-speed rail project, calling it a massive failure and pointing to excessive cost overruns. “Have you heard of Gavin Newsom? He has that train,” Trump remarked. “The worst cost overrun I’ve ever seen. It’s like it’s completely out of control.” He added that despite his critical remarks, he has maintained a good relationship with Newsom.
Reflecting on the state’s water supply issues, Trump mentioned efforts to assist California. “I got him a lot of water, you know, I refused to do it, so I sent people to open that water,” he stated. He expressed frustration about the state’s response to wildfires, saying they “should have been dealt with very quickly.”
Following a trip to Southern California in January, where he witnessed the devastation from a major wildfire, Trump issued an executive order aimed at reevaluating federal regulations on endangered species to help manage water supply more effectively. He accused existing regulations of unfairly complicating efforts to enhance water management in California.
Returning to the high-speed rail project, he referred to ongoing construction as “stupid things” but emphasized that it represented the worst fiscal mismanagement he had ever encountered. Initially estimated at $33 billion, the project’s costs have ballooned to an estimated $100 billion due to various challenges, including fundraising issues and delays. Trump affirmed that his administration would not fund the project, stating, “It was supposed to be a simple train.”
Meanwhile, with 2028 in sight, Trump remarked that he would enjoy seeing Newsom run for president, although he stressed that Newsom’s ongoing challenges, including the rail project and wildfires, might compel him to withdraw from the race.
Newsom, contemplating a presidential bid in 2028, hasn’t made formal commitments yet. He mentioned his interest in collaborating with the Trump administration on a federal tax credit program aimed at strengthening the television and film production industry.
Newsom expressed his aspirations for revitalizing California’s film industry and fostering federal partnerships to transform American filmmaking.
In response to Trump’s initiatives, the White House indicated that it was “exploring all options” to bring Trump’s proposals to fruition. Trump recently announced his support for significant tariffs on foreign films, hinting at a push to bolster domestic production.
