As California Burns, Newsom Looks to the Future Instead of the Flames

While firefighters battle one of the most devastating wildfire seasons in Southern California’s history, Gov. Gavin Newsom is already looking ahead—discussing plans for a “smart city” in time for California’s upcoming role as host to the 2028 Olympics, Super Bowl and World Cup. But as thousands of residents lose their homes, many are questioning whether his priorities are in the right place.

On Jan. 7, dry conditions and Santa Ana winds fueled the most destructive wildfires the region has seen in decades. Entire neighborhoods were decimated, 28 people were killed, and thousands of homes were reduced to ash.

The fires began in the Pacific Palisades around 5 p.m., quickly spreading under hurricane-force winds. Evacuations were ordered as the blaze consumed some of California’s most beloved communities. Since the fires first erupted, approximately 57,528 acres have burned. As of today, 31 people remain missing and unaccounted for. Firefighters have worked tirelessly for days on end, struggling to contain the inferno.

Despite the ongoing crisis, Newsom made a brief visit to Southern California to assess the damage. However, his visit was overshadowed by renewed scrutiny over the state’s wildfire preparedness.

During an interview, Newsom said, “We are already organizing a Marshall Plan, and we already have a team looking to reimagine L.A. 2.0.”

Amid thousands of TikTok videos capturing the devastation, clips from a 2019 interview with Donald Trump on The Joe Rogan Experience have resurfaced. In the interview, Trump eerily predicted California’s wildfire risks and warned of the consequences if preventative measures weren’t taken.

While discussing California’s water supply, Trump said, “In order to protect a tiny little fish, the water up north gets routed into the Pacific Ocean.”

“Millions and millions of gallons,” he added.

The fires in California have received criticism from TikTok users claiming the devastation echoes similarities to the fires in Lahaina, Hawaii, in 2023.

As the fires rage on, the question remains: Is Newsom more focused on the future than the crisis unfolding before him?