California officials clarified late Monday that the U.S. military did not enter the state to release substantial amounts of water, contrary to President Donald Trump’s earlier assertions during his ongoing dispute with the state regarding water management.

Following his visit to fire-hit areas in Los Angeles, Trump posted on Truth Social Monday evening, declaring, “The United States Military just entered the Great State of California and, under Emergency Powers, TURNED ON THE WATER flowing abundantly from the Pacific Northwest and beyond.”

He added, “The days of prioritizing fake environmental arguments over people are over. Enjoy the water, California!!!”

In response, the California Department of Water Resources quickly stated, “The military did not enter California.”

The agency explained that the federal government simply “restarted federal water pumps after they were offline for maintenance for three days,” insisting that “State water supplies in Southern California remain abundant.”

This exchange follows Trump’s tour of areas affected by wildfires on Friday, during which he signed an executive order directing federal officials to expedite water and other resources to Southern California, even if it requires “overriding” state and local authorities.

This executive order is Trump’s second connected to California’s water system since he took office and instructs the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, a federal agency, to enhance water delivery through the Central Valley Project, a collection of dams, canals, and infrastructure.

In a segment titled “Overriding Disastrous California Policies,” the order urges the interior and commerce secretaries to “override existing activities that unduly burden efforts to maximize water deliveries.” It also mandates the White House to explore the possibility of linking federal aid to California with the condition of cooperation from the state.

On his first day in office last week, Trump issued an executive order calling for federal agencies to “reroute more water” from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to different regions of the state—an initiative aimed at altering environmental protections for the smelt, a small fish listed as endangered.

Trump has criticized the state regarding its response to the recent wildfire crisis, chastising officials when some fire hydrants in Los Angeles ran dry. California Governor Gavin Newsom has consistently defended the state’s water management and countered Trump’s criticisms.

“Perhaps the president doesn’t recognize that there isn’t a simple solution to all the water issues he claims exist, which actually don’t exist in relation to California’s water system,” he told reporters last week prior to the president’s arrival.

Newsom welcomed Trump upon his arrival in California on Friday, and the two, who have often had a strained relationship, spoke to the media. Newsom mentioned that the state would require the president’s support in its recovery efforts. Trump replied, “We’re gonna get it done.”

The Palisades and Eaton fires ignited on January 7, burning an area larger than the city of Miami, destroying thousands of structures, and resulting in at least 28 fatalities. Firefighters have reported increased containment of both fires, as well as other blazes in Los Angeles County and San Diego County, aided by slowing winds and alleviating rainfall.

(This story has been updated to include further details.)

Contributors: Terry Collins, Bart Jansen, Zac Anderson,