Republican Congressman Warren Davidson from Ohio has called for withholding federal disaster relief from California unless the state reforms its forestry management practices. Davidson’s remarks come as devastating wildfires continue to ravage California, claiming lives and destroying thousands of homes.
Davidson Links Aid to Forestry Reforms
Speaking to Fox Business on Friday, Davidson argued that disaster relief should come with conditions, requiring California to change its forestry management policies. He referenced the American Relief Act of 2025, which allocated $110 billion for hurricane relief in southeastern states, as a precedent for attaching conditions to federal aid.
“We support disaster-affected communities,” Davidson said, “but California needs to take responsibility and implement necessary reforms.”
His comments align with a spending bill Congress must pass by March to prevent a government shutdown. This legislation includes provisions for disaster relief funding, intensifying political debates over the fires.
Newsom Urges Unity Amid Crisis
California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom responded by urging leaders to avoid politicizing the disaster response. In a letter to former President Donald Trump, Newsom invited him to visit the affected areas and meet with firefighters and displaced residents.
“We must not politicize human tragedy or spread disinformation,” Newsom stated. “The focus must remain on recovery and rebuilding.”
However, in a separate interview, Newsom criticized Trump’s past claims that environmental policies, including water management to protect the endangered Delta smelt, have worsened California’s fire crises. Newsom called these statements “delusional” and “profoundly ignorant.”
Tensions Over Federal Aid
This debate echoes past conflicts between Newsom and Trump, who previously accused California of “gross mismanagement” of its forests. Newsom defended the state’s wildfire prevention efforts and accused Trump of ignoring the role of climate change.
With Joe Biden’s presidency nearing its end, California’s federal disaster assistance will soon depend on Trump’s administration and a Republican-controlled Congress. Biden recently approved a disaster declaration, ensuring federal coverage of fire management and debris removal costs for six months. Newsom expressed gratitude for Biden’s support, noting that it exemplifies the kind of federal partnership California needs.
Despite fears that Trump might withhold aid, a Trump administration official reportedly dismissed the idea. Newsom remains cautious, citing past instances where Trump allegedly withheld federal funds from states like Puerto Rico, Utah, and Connecticut.
“The threat to lives and property remains severe,” Newsom warned, highlighting ongoing extreme weather conditions. “We need federal support to protect Californians and ensure a swift recovery.”