California’s wildfire crisis is yet another grim reminder of the state’s chronic mismanagement of disaster preparedness and environmental policy. This time, Los Angeles County is bearing the brunt of the destruction, with fires raging in Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, and Sylmar. In response, Joe Biden has committed to 180 days of federal assistance, though it’s clear this will likely be just the beginning. But the real question is: why should taxpayers across the country continue to foot the bill for California’s self-inflicted failures?
The Biden administration says it will do “everything possible” to address the wildfires, following a request from Gov. Gavin Newsom for additional federal support. The Defense Department is deploying personnel and resources to help, but should federal aid be unconditional? When disasters strike, Americans instinctively want to help, but California’s leaders have repeatedly ignored the root causes of these disasters in favor of ideological priorities.
Why should the rest of the country be forced to subsidize their poor decisions?
Gov. Newsom is reportedly already concerned that Trump will withhold or slowwalk aid for California, as he promised he would on the campaign trail. My response to that is: maybe he should.
For years, the left has blamed wildfires on climate change, ignoring how decades of failed policies and leadership have compounded the problem. Instead of addressing inadequate forest management, water mismanagement, and the refusal to build essential infrastructure, California pours billions into “green energy” programs and climate initiatives that do nothing to mitigate immediate threats.
Related: How Wokeism Created the L.A. Wildfire Crisis
Taxpayer dollars shouldn’t bankroll California’s refusal to adopt common-sense policies. Controlled burns, critical for reducing fire fuel, have been deprioritized. Forest debris continues to accumulate, creating a tinderbox. Meanwhile, California hasn’t built a new reservoir in 45 years, wasting precious water that could mitigate fire risks.
President Trump’s calls for better forest management and water infrastructure were mocked by Democrats, yet the current crisis proves he was right, and if California’s leaders can’t see that, why should a single penny be wasted there?
So, yeah, I think if federal aid is inevitable, it should come with strings attached.
If California wants help, it must prioritize infrastructure improvements, better forest management, and disaster preparedness. Wasting resources on ideological experiments isn’t just irresponsible—it’s dangerous. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley funneled millions into a DEI programs within the LAFD while facing budget cuts. When hiring firefighters, competence and merit—not identity politics—should be the priority. I don't want my taxdollars being used to prioritize the LAFD hiring overweight lesbians of color in the name of inclusivity.
Recommended: It Looks Like Democrats and Left-Wing Groups Are Profiting From Wildfire Donations via ActBlue
California’s leaders have allowed their state to become a disaster waiting to happen. Federal assistance is inevitable, but it’s time to demand accountability. Why should hardworking taxpayers in other states bail out California’s negligence without real reform?
