Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) sparked outrage on Friday with controversial remarks about withholding federal disaster relief amid devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. The fires, which have claimed at least 16 lives and destroyed over 12,000 structures, continue to ravage the region, leaving tens of thousands more at risk.
Davidson, speaking with Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo, suggested that federal assistance should come with conditions targeting California’s policies. “If they want the money, then there should be consequences where they have to change their policies,” he said. Davidson further emphasized the need for “pressure” on California’s government to “change course here.”
Rep. Warren Davidson on California federal disaster relief: “If they want the money, then there should be consequences where they have to change their policies … CA wants the money without changing the policies that are making the problem worse & I don’t see how Rs could possibly support that.”
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) January 10, 2025 at 10:35 AM
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A Familiar Narrative on Forest Management
Davidson echoed long-standing conservative claims that California’s forest management policies are to blame for wildfires. “All these things that they’re doing are making it far easier for fires to grow and spread and be huge,” he alleged.
These remarks mirror talking points that gained traction under former President Donald Trump, who infamously blamed California’s 2018 Camp Fire—the deadliest in state history—on “gross mismanagement of the forests.” Trump even threatened to withhold federal funding, declaring, “Remedy now, or no more Fed payments!”
Right-wing media figures have amplified similar narratives, often ignoring the critical role of climate change in intensifying wildfires. According to Media Matters for America, these claims distract from broader environmental factors that exacerbate fire risks.
The Politics of Disaster Aid
Davidson’s stance marks a continuation of the GOP’s blame game when it comes to California’s natural disasters. While climate change remains a significant driver of extreme weather events, conservatives have pivoted to blame issues ranging from diversity initiatives to California’s environmental protections.
Trump, for example, once accused Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) of prioritizing the delta smelt, a protected fish species, over effective land management. Davidson’s comments suggest a similar disdain for California’s progressive policies, framing disaster aid as a tool for political leverage.
Newsom Pushes Back
Gov. Newsom has actively worked to counter what he describes as “misinformation” about the causes of California’s wildfires. In response to right-wing critiques, Newsom highlighted a significant increase in the state’s budget for forest management, noting that it is now “TEN TIMES larger” than when he took office in 2019.
A lot of misinformation out there.
Just launched a new site to ensure the public has access to fact-based data around the Southern CA wildfires.
The TRUTH:
– CA did NOT cut our firefighting budget. We have nearly doubled the size of our firefighting army and built the world’s…— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 11, 2025
On Saturday, Newsom launched a dedicated page on his website to debunk claims that forest mismanagement is the root cause of the fires. The governor has also pointed to the accelerating effects of climate change, including prolonged droughts and rising temperatures, as primary contributors.
Shifting Focus from Solutions
While California grapples with the immediate devastation of the wildfires, Davidson’s comments underscore a broader divide in addressing climate-related disasters. By framing federal relief as contingent on policy changes, Republicans risk politicizing aid meant to alleviate suffering.
For California residents facing unprecedented destruction, the focus remains on recovery, not partisan battles over environmental policy. As wildfires continue to burn, the debate over their causes and the federal government’s response highlights the growing tension between political ideologies and the urgent need for climate action.
Featured image via screengrab
