House Speaker Mike Johnson suggests that federal support for California, which is dealing with severe wildfires, should come with specific conditions due to perceived deficiencies in local governance.

During a press conference on Monday, the Republican from Louisiana stated that the proposed federal assistance following the tragic fires near Los Angeles should have “conditions.” He highlighted issues with water management, forest management, and various other problems, attributing these failures to the state and local leaders who he believes have not fulfilled their responsibilities. “So that’s something that has to be factored in. I think there should probably be conditions on that aid. That’s my personal view,” Johnson said.

In response, Florida Democratic Representative Jared Moskowitz voiced his objections in a post on X, stating, “This is a mistake.”

“If you start this, it will never end,” he cautioned. “When Democrats regain control of the House, they will place conditions on aid to Florida and Texas. Disaster assistance must remain non-partisan. I would combat Democrats if they attempted this. The Speaker has other means to hold individuals accountable.”

The ongoing fires have claimed at least 24 lives and destroyed countless homes and businesses, posing a threat of further devastation.

More Republicans endorse conditional aid

Other prominent Republicans are also advocating for conditions to be attached to any federal funding directed to California.

In a Sunday interview with CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso from Wyoming attributed the extensive nature of the fires to “the policies of the liberal administration.”

“I anticipate that money that gets approved will come with strings because we need to be prepared for the next time. This disaster exposed significant failures,” Barrasso stated.

Senator Ron Johnson from Wisconsin, in a conversation with Newsmax, expressed that he would not support aid for California “unless there’s a significant change in how they manage these issues in the future … These are decisions made by Californian Democrats … It’s their fault.”

Trump attributes blame to Gavin Newsom

As California faces one of its most significant disasters ever, President-elect Donald Trump has harshly criticized Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.

Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday, calling for Newsom’s resignation as the fires worsened, stating, “One of the most beautiful parts of the United States is burning to the ground. It’s in ruins, and Gavin Newscum (sic) should resign. This is all his fault!!!”

In reaction, Newsom’s communications director, Izzy Gardon, retorted on X last week, “The Governor is focused on protecting people, not engaging in politics, and is ensuring firefighters have the resources they need.”

This is not the first instance where Trump and Newsom have clashed verbally during a crisis. In 2019, Trump criticized California for repeatedly seeking federal assistance to combat wildfires.

“No more,” Trump wrote on X. “Get your act together, Governor. You don’t see similar levels of destruction in other states.”

Newsom responded on X, remarking that Trump denies climate change, hence he “can be excused from this conversation.” Following this, Newsom’s office issued a detailed statement regarding the state’s fire prevention initiatives.

There has yet to be a response from Newsom’s office regarding Johnson’s and other Republicans’ comments regarding conditional aid as of this writing.

Biden promises aid to California

Amid discussions on conditions and the ongoing Trump-Newsom exchange, President Joe Biden announced on Thursday that the federal government will fund essential wildfire response actions aimed at preserving lives. This includes debris removal, emergency shelter, and compensating first responders for a period of 180 days.

“We’re making sure every resource you need is available,” Biden stated. When asked if California would receive the necessary assistance from the incoming administration, he replied, “I’m not in a position to answer that question. I pray to God they will.”

Contributors: Janet Wilson, Tom Vanden Brook, and Sarah D. Wire

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter. Follow him on X @fern_cerv_.