California Gov. Gavin Newsom has expanded a special legislative session to include $2.5 billion in wildfire aid as Los Angeles County faces devastating fires and potential federal relief delays under the incoming Trump administration.
Blake Jones reports for POLITICO.
In short:
- Newsom’s wildfire package includes $1 billion in emergency aid and $1.5 billion for wildfire preparedness, with the potential for FEMA reimbursement.
- Democrats criticized Trump’s threats to withhold federal disaster relief, while Republicans opposed tying wildfire aid to legal defenses against the White House.
- The proposal also allocates $50 million to fund legal defenses for immigrants and support local legal services ahead of Trump’s inauguration.
Key quote:
“California is organizing a Marshall Plan to help Los Angeles rebuild faster and stronger.”
— Gavin Newsom, California governor
Why this matters:
Intense wildfires and political tensions over disaster aid could leave vulnerable communities in California without essential recovery funds. The situation also reflects broader conflicts over federal-state cooperation on climate-related disasters and immigration policies.
Related: California faces fresh battle over environmental policies as Trump returns to office
