Liberal activist Mike Brock recently took to X, voicing his frustration with President-elect Donald Trump’s criticism of California Governor Gavin Newsom and other local leaders for their alleged role in the devastating wildfires in Southern California. So far, the fires have ravaged tens of thousands of acres, destroyed over 10,000 structures, and claimed at least 16 lives, with more missing. The fires are largely uncontained at this point.
Brock wrote on X, “I am watching the Hollywood Hills burn. Not far from my home. And I am overcome with rage and contempt that our President-elect is berating our mayor and governor rather than showing some solidarity with the citizens of this country he claims to love.” The liberal writer simultaneously shared a picture of the intense flames scorching the hills before him.
However, Brock received some pushback in the comments section, with users defending Trump’s position, noting he has been warning about such a disaster for years. “This was preventable. Trump has been pointing out for YEARS (not just in the face of this tragedy) of misguided environmental policies are hurting the environment, endangering thousands of lives, and costing billions every year because they stopped doing proactive controlled burns and keeping underbrush cleared in A NATURALLY, VERY DRY AREA,” one person commented.
The post added, “If humans are going to live there, they need smart leaders who will take the necessary means to reduce the chances and levels of fires, as well as filling reservoirs.” Brock replied, “How do you know fire management efforts were not undertaken in the Hollywood Hills and Pacific Palisades? Can you provide verifiable information on this, since you’re so convinced this is a forgone conclusion?”
The American Tribune previously reported on President-elect Trump’s comments during the Joe Rogan Experience in 2024, outlining the problems with California’s capabilities to prevent wildfires. “They said, ‘We have no water.’ I said, do you have a drought? ‘No, we don’t have a drought.’ I said, why do you have no water? ‘Because the water isn’t allowed to flow down,’” Trump said.
“It’s got a natural flow from Canada all the way up north, more water than they could ever use. And in order to protect a tiny little fish, the water up north gets routed into the Pacific Ocean. Millions and millions of gallons of water gets poured,” he added, referring to the delta smelt. Trump claimed water from up north could be diverted to help prevent forest fires.
He said, “I could have water for all of that land, water for your forests….You know your forests are dry as a bone.” Trump further suggested the state needs to do a better job at removing flammable underbrush from its forests, stating, “They’re not allowed to rake their forests because you’re not allowed to touch it.” He added, “And all they have to do is clean their forest, meaning rake it up, get rid of the leaves, you know, leaves that are sitting there for five years.”
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