This archive report was first published on 4 November 2019.
Published on November 4, 2019, US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy with a Twitter threat to cut federal funding for the devastating wildfires sweeping California.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been at the receiving end of Mr. Trump's criticism, with the President accusing him of doing a 'terrible job of forest management.'
However, several of this year's major wildfires have burned in unforested areas, contradicting Mr. Trump's claims.
Mr. Trump's threat comes as nearly 100,000 acres have been destroyed by wildfires in recent weeks, forcing thousands of people from their homes.
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Mr. Trump wrote on Twitter: 'Every year, as the fire's (sic) 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.'
Mr. Newsom responded: 'You don't believe in climate change. You are excused from this conversation.'
Increased temperatures due to global warming are causing huge wildfires in California, regardless of how wet the previous winter was, according to a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The study found that drier, warmer conditions lead to vegetation drying out and becoming more flammable.
Mr. Trump made a similar threat to cut federal aid last year, when the most deadly fire in California's history killed 86 people.
Firefighters have contained about half of the Maria Fire, the major blaze in southern California, and all evacuation orders were lifted on Saturday.
