California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) on Wednesday took aim at President Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) over their lack of support over wildfires in the Los Angeles area earlier this year.
Newsom said during a press conference, citing a recent incident, “What I say is that now we really need to — I think — address why the President of the United States and the Congress have refused to provide support to those who are suffering from this arson and this devastation.” related to arrest Because of the deadly Palisades fire in Los Angeles in January.
“Thirty-nine billion dollars, for months and months and months, and the President of the United States has said nothing.”
in February, Newsom asked Congress Approving nearly $40 billion in aid to help the Los Angeles area recover from the fires.
On Wednesday, the Justice Department announced that a Florida man who previously worked as an Uber driver was arrested in connection with the Palisades Fire.
Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, of Melbourne, Florida, was charged with destruction of property, according to the office of Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essaly. means of fire,
“Although we cannot bring back what the victims have lost, we hope [federal] “The criminal case provides a measure of justice to those affected by this horrific tragedy,” Essaly said in a statement.
Palisades Fire23,448 acres of land was burnt In January, according toCalifornia Department of Forestry and Fire ProtectionAt least 12 people died andthousands of housesWereThe destroyed,
In June, Trump suggested His ongoing feud with Newsom over immigration could impact whether he approves disaster funding for the January wildfires.
“The Speaker of the House said he has no interest in helping the American people who are devastated, with lives shattered here in Los Angeles,” Newsom said Wednesday.
“Where is the accountability in that regard? Where is the spirit that defines the best of this country, the recovery, being here for fellow Americans at a time of uncertainty?”
Last month, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration from conditioning Disaster and Safety Fund For states because of their immigration policies.
Newsom also said in a post on social platform It said Wednesday that “the arrest of 29-year-old Florida resident Jonathan Rinderknecht is an important step toward determining how the deadly #PalisadesFire started and the thousands of survivors whose lives were destroyed.”
He said, “This tragedy will never be forgotten – lives were lost, families torn apart, and entire communities changed forever – and there must be accountability.” “We thank @TheJusticeDept and @ATFHQ for their thorough investigation of this fire and confirmation of the undisputed facts on the ground.”
The Hill has contacted Johnson’s office and the White House for comment.
