Newsom Flees Angry Citizen as L.A. Fires Rage On
The California governor claimed that he was on the phone with the president to discuss the raging fires.
Sky News
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday brushed off a tense conversation with a Los Angeles resident as the woman tried to confront him about the state’s response to a recent spate of wildfires decimating several areas across Los Angeles.
Newsom was heading to his vehicle when the woman, who was being interviewed by Sky News at the time, ran up to him.
“That was my daughter’s school,” she told the governor. “Please tell me what you’re gonna do.”
“I’m literally talking to the president right now to specifically answer the question of what we can do for you and your daughter,” Newsom responded.
When the woman asked to hear the supposed phone call, Newsom switched gears and said he had been struggling to get a cell signal.
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“I’ve tried five times; that’s why I’m walking around to make the call,” he said.
🔥 WATCH: Gavin Newsom gets confronted on the street by a furious woman whose home burned down in the wildfires.
— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) January 9, 2025
He responds by claiming to be on a phone call with Joe Biden that wasn't going through to try and escape… pic.twitter.com/1xPhTcFNQc
The Democratic governor explained that he was trying to secure reimbursements and individual assistance from the president.
“I’m devastated for you. I’m so sorry, especially for your daughter,” he told the woman. “I have four kids. We’re getting the resources to help rebuild.”
Newsom vowed that he was doing everything he could to respond to the wildfires that have killed at least five people and displaced almost 180,000 others.
As the woman continued questioning the governor, an aide stepped in, insisting that “he needs to call the president.”
Newsom directed the woman to a member of his staff and got into his car.
The governor’s office later confirmed that Newsom spoke with Biden shortly after the awkward encounter.
“After hearing from Rachel, the Governor immediately spoke to President Biden and as a result of that call the President committed to covering 100% of the response costs for the next 180 days. That’s a game-changer,” Izzy Gardon, Newsom’s director of communications, said in a statement.
“I also just spoke with Rachel and I’m working to connect her with recovery services, local support, and provide the latest information,” Gardon added. “Her entire community has been decimated. She doesn’t know if her home is still standing. Her children’s schools are gone. The horrors of this fire are simply beyond scale.”
As a result of the call between @POTUS and @CAGovernor Newsom, the President just committed to covering 100% of the fire management and debris removal costs for the next 180 days.
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) January 9, 2025
That’s a game-changer.
Thank you @POTUS Biden and @VP Harris. pic.twitter.com/PH9FDnE9RO
It isn’t just Los Angeles residents who are digging into local officials over the crisis.
President-elect Donald Trump took to Truth Social to pin the blame on Newsom.
“One of the best and most beautiful parts of the United States of America is burning down to the ground,” he wrote. “It’s ashes, and Gavin Newscum should resign. This is all his fault!!!”
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