California Governor Gavin Newsom has extended an invitation to President-elect Donald Trump to visit the Golden State and witness the devastation caused by the ongoing wildfires firsthand. In an open letter released Friday, Newsom urged Trump to visit Los Angeles County, one of the hardest-hit areas, and to engage with residents displaced by the disaster.
.@realDonaldTrump, as you prepare to assume the presidency once more, I invite you to come to California.
The hundreds of thousands of Americans – displaced from their homes and fearful for the future – deserve to see us all working together in their best interests, not… pic.twitter.com/R3C7cGqdBh
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 10, 2025
Newsom’s appeal comes amidst escalating tensions between the two leaders, as Trump recently criticized the governor for his handling of wildfire prevention. Newsom, however, emphasized the importance of unity during times of crisis. “In the spirit of this great country, we must not politicize human tragedy or spread disinformation from the sidelines,” Newsom wrote. “Hundreds of thousands of Americans–displaced from their homes and fearful for the future–deserve to see all of us working in their best interests to ensure a fast recovery and rebuild.”
The governor’s letter also called on Trump to thank the firefighters and first responders risking their lives to contain the blazes. “As you prepare to assume the presidency once more, I invite you to come to California again–to meet with the Americans affected by these fires, see the devastation firsthand, and join me and others in thanking the heroic firefighters and first responders,” Newsom continued.
Trump, who has repeatedly clashed with Newsom over wildfire management, did not hold back in his response. On Truth Social, Trump wrote, “One of the best and most beautiful parts of the United States of America is burning down to the ground. It’s ashes, and Gavin Newscum should resign. This is all his fault!!!”
This exchange is part of a long history of discord between the two leaders. In 2019, Trump criticized Newsom’s wildfire prevention efforts, tweeting, “Every year, as the fire’s rage & California burns, it is the same thing – and then he comes to the Federal Government for $$$ help. No more. Get your act together Governor.”
Despite the political tensions, Newsom’s letter signals a willingness to collaborate on disaster recovery efforts as California faces one of its worst wildfire seasons in recent years. Whether Trump will accept the invitation remains to be seen, but the visit could mark a significant moment for bipartisan cooperation—or further political division.
