The Los Angeles fires add a new wrinkle to the renewed feud between Trump and Newsom

like Donald Trump assumed the presidency for the second time this week, he renewed his personal and political feud with California and its governor, Gavin Newsomwhile inflating Newsom’s apparent ambition to be a master resistor—and perhaps the Democratic nominee for the White House in 2028.

If Trump had lost to Kamala Harris, it would likely have doomed whatever presidential ambitions Newsom harbored. He was expected to run for a second term in 2028. Trump’s victory did Newsom a big favor, as he can only serve one more term, setting the stage for broad battles in both parties.

On his first day back on the job, Trump once again singled out California for contempt, smoothing Newsom’s standing in his party.

Trump dedicated part of his 30-minute inauguration speech in California, claiming — falsely — that state leaders had allowed Los Angeles forest fires to burn without a “mark of protection”.

“They are raging in homes and communities, even affecting some of the richest and most powerful people in our country, some of whom are sitting here right now,” Trump said.

Later, in another speech to supporters, Trump accused California of election fraud because it sends ballots to all voters and does not require verification of eligibility.

“There’s only one reason this is happening: They want to cheat,” Trump said.

Newsom kindly replied in X’s postsaying the Los Angeles fire “highlights the critical need for partnership, a shared commitment to the facts, and mutual respect—values ​​that enable civil discourse, effective governance, and meaningful action.”

Newsom said he looked forward to Trump’s visit to the fire scene, adding, “Where our shared principles are aligned, my administration stands ready to work with the Trump-Vance administration to provide solutions and serve the nearly 40 the million Californians we collectively represent.”

Humanity, humility, charity, generosity, rationality, reality and other distractions aside, the Los Angeles fires add another element to what was already a strained relationship between two self-centered political figures.

If the fires hadn’t started just days before Trump was sworn in, the two could have been entertaining political junkies for the next few years. Trump’s attacks on California policies, such as his push to phase out gasoline-powered vehicles and water distribution, would be faced lawsuits and political resistance, echoing Trump’s first term.

But California is now seeking billions of dollars from Washington to cover the costs of fighting fires, rebuilding infrastructure lost in the flames and helping homeowners recover. Trump can either fulfill his predecessor Joe Biden’s promises to help or reject the state’s requests.

Even if Trump agrees to provide relief, he is likely to demand at least some form of compliance from Newsom, as he did during his first term when the fire engulfed Paradise in 2018. Figuratively speaking, Newsom had to kiss Trump’s ring to get help. Congressional Republicans have already been pressing conditions on funding to rebuild California.

During his campaign last year, Trump threatened to withhold fire relief funds unless California provides more water to farmers.

Trump could ask for even more tangible honors, such as not opposing the arrests and deportations of undocumented immigrants, one of his most controversial promises and one that particularly affects California.

Politically, Trump owes nothing to deep blue California. Making California politicians eat crow is likely to win applause from his supporters in other states who see California as a cesspool of crazy left-wing politics, squalor and crime.

Essentially, Newsom has to choose between being a California governor who does whatever it takes to get the disaster relief his constituents demand, and a potential presidential candidate who resists Trump at all costs.

It will be very difficult for him to have it both ways.