In an interview with NBC’s Meet The Press, Governor Gavin Newsom found himself under fire—not just for his response to the wildfires ravaging Los Angeles, but for his over-the-top body language.
The interview, conducted in the Altadena community devastated by the Eaton Fire, saw Newsom speaking with his hands, clapping, and using large gestures throughout the 18-minute conversation.
While dressed casually in a black, untucked button-down shirt and jeans, the governor’s expressive movements quickly became the focal point, drawing attention away from his message.
Governor Responds to the Wildfires and Water Shortages
One of the key topics of the interview was the alarming situation surrounding the water storage tanks in the Pacific Palisades area.
Newsom admitted that he did not understand why the three crucial water tanks, each holding a million gallons, had run dry right as the fires broke out.
He speculated that a combination of issues—pipes, electricity, and pumps—could have contributed to the water shortage.
However, the governor also hinted that even if the water had been available, the severity of the situation may have been insurmountable due to the strong winds, which reached 99 miles per hour.
Despite these serious concerns, Newsom defended his decision to initiate an independent investigation into the issue, claiming it was not about blame, but about uncovering the facts.
“It’s about answering the questions that everyone wants to know,” he explained.
The Rising Toll of the Fires
As of Sunday morning, the Palisades Wildfire had scorched around 22,660 acres, with only 11% containment.
Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire to the northeast had burned through 14,100 acres, with just 15% containment.
Tragically, over 5,000 structures have been destroyed, and the death toll has reached 13, though Newsom noted that the numbers were still being verified.
He acknowledged that more fatalities were likely, with search and rescue teams still working in the affected areas.
When asked about the responsibility he carries as governor during such crises, Newsom acknowledged the gravity of his role. “You’re governor of California.
It might as well be the mayor of California.
We’re all in this together,” he said, emphasizing unity over division.
Trump’s Criticism and Water Controversy
The conversation took a political turn when Newsom was asked about President-elect Donald Trump’s accusations.
Trump had blamed Newsom for not accepting federal assistance during his presidency, specifically regarding a water restoration plan.
Trump alleged that Newsom had refused millions of gallons of water from excess rain and snowmelt that could have helped combat the wildfires.
Newsom, however, refuted Trump’s claims, stating that the state’s reservoirs were full and the issue was unrelated to water supplies.
The situation grew even more complicated when it was revealed that a key reservoir serving the Palisades area had been taken offline for repairs.
The Santa Ynez Reservoir, which supplied fire hydrants in the area, had been empty for months due to maintenance issues, leading to a critical shortage of water during the fires.
Newsom attempted to distance himself from the situation, stating that it was not a state-operated reservoir.
Newsom’s Executive Orders for Recovery and Rebuilding
Amid the devastation, Newsom announced plans to issue executive orders to address price gouging and expedite recovery efforts.
He also promised that residents would be able to access their insurance claims quickly and that the rebuilding process would be streamlined.
The governor indicated that California’s strict environmental review processes would be relaxed in the wake of the disaster, allowing for faster reconstruction of homes and businesses.
Additionally, Newsom expressed gratitude for the support of President Joe Biden, who had pledged to cover 100% of the disaster-related costs for the next 180 days.
Early damage estimates suggest that the total cost could reach as high as $150 billion.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Recovery
With continued federal support, Newsom’s administration is focused on the long-term recovery process.
As California grapples with the aftermath of these devastating wildfires, the governor’s leadership—and his ability to restore both public trust and vital infrastructure—will be key to rebuilding the affected communities.
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