President Donald Trump tweeted on Wednesday afternoon that he had called California Governor Jerry Brown to offer his support in the battle against the ongoing California wildfires — the most destructive in the state’s history.
Just spoke to Governor Jerry Brown to let him know that we are with him, and the people of California, all the way!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 14, 2018
As of Wednesday, the Camp Fire (135,000 acres, 35% contained) in Northern California and the Woolsey Fire (97,620 acres, 47% contained) in Southern California had killed 50 people and destroyed thousands of structures.
Trump has gone out of his way to offer support — including emergency aid — to California after tweeting Saturday morning that poor forestry management was to blame. (Gov. Brown advanced his own pet theory: climate change.)
There is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly forest fires in California except that forest management is so poor. Billions of dollars are given each year, with so many lives lost, all because of gross mismanagement of the forests. Remedy now, or no more Fed payments!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 10, 2018
More than 4,000 are fighting the Camp and Woolsey Fires in California that have burned over 170,000 acres. Our hearts are with those fighting the fires, the 52,000 who have evacuated, and the families of the 11 who have died. The destruction is catastrophic. God Bless them all.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 10, 2018
These California fires are expanding very, very quickly (in some cases 80-100 acres a minute). If people don’t evacuate quickly, they risk being overtaken by the fire. Please listen to evacuation orders from State and local officials!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 10, 2018
With proper Forest Management, we can stop the devastation constantly going on in California. Get Smart!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 11, 2018
The California Fire Fighters, FEMA and First Responders are amazing and very brave. Thank you and God Bless you all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 12, 2018
I just approved an expedited request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of California. Wanted to respond quickly in order to alleviate some of the incredible suffering going on. I am with you all the way. God Bless all of the victims and families affected.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2018
We mourn for the lives lost and we pray for the victims of the California Wildfires. I want to thank the Firefighters and First Responders for their incredible courage in the face of grave danger…. pic.twitter.com/3YQYZR8OzS
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2018
Was just briefed by @FEMA_Brock and @SecretaryZinke, who are in California. Thank you to the great Firefighters, First Responders and @FEMA for the incredible job they are doing w/ the California Wildfires. Our Nation appreciates your heroism, courage & genius. God Bless you all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 14, 2018
As of this writing, Gov. Brown has not commented publicly on their conversation. Brown and Trump have been at odds since the 2016 campaign, though Brown applauded the president’s plans for infrastructure spending last year.
Joel B. Pollak is Senior Editor-at-Large at Breitbart News. He is a winner of the 2018 Robert Novak Journalism Alumni Fellowship. He is also the co-author of How Trump Won: The Inside Story of a Revolution, which is available from Regnery. Follow him on Twitter at @joelpollak.
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