Newsom responds to Trump's criticism of California in inauguration speech

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday. 

During his inauguration speech, Trump made some choice words about California's wildfire response as firefighters continue to battle the deadly Eaton and Palisades fires. 

"Our country can no longer deliver basic services in times of emergency, as recently shown by the wonderful people of North Carolina who have been treated so badly and other states who are still suffering from a hurricane that took place many months ago, or more recently, Los Angeles, where we are watching fires still tragically burn from weeks ago without even a token of defense," Trump said. 

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"They're raging through the houses and communities, even affecting some of the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in our country, some of whom are sitting here right now. They don't have a home any longer. That's interesting. We can't let this happen," he added. 

Shortly after the claims were made, the office of Gov. Gavin Newsom responded on social media, posting four pictures of firefighters fighting the fires along with the caption "without a token of defense." 

Last week, Trump cast blame on Newsom, saying he prioritized environmental policies over public safety and claimed that FEMA did not have enough funding to respond to the fires.

Trump further claimed Newsom "refused to sign the water restoration declaration" that he said would have directed millions of gallons of water to areas now burning, alleging he prioritized a small fish, called a smelt, over residents."

Newsom's office responded saying, "There is no such document as the water restoration declaration — that is pure fiction."

Trump fired back, writing on Truth Social,"RELEASE THE WATER FROM UP NORTH. MILLIONS OF GALLONS A DAY. WHAT'S TAKING YOU SO LONG."

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It was recently announced Trump will visit Los Angeles on Friday to survey wildfire damage. It is likely his first visit outside Washington as the president.

Trump said he meant to visit the area earlier, "but I thought it would be better if I went as president. It's a little bit more appropriate," he said during an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" over the weekend. 

The Palisades and Eaton fires have killed 27 people and damaged over 17,000 structures. As of Monday afternoon, the Palisades Fire is 59% contained, and the Eaton Fire is 87% contained, according to Cal Fire.

The Source: Information for this story is from President Donald Trump's post-inauguration speech and the social media of Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Inauguration DayDonald J. TrumpGavin NewsomInstastories