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‘Enjoy the water’; Trump declares he's sent US military into California amid wildfires; but Golden Gate says otherwise

US President Donald Trump asserted that the US military “just entered the Great State of California” in a bid to strengthen the water supply.

Updated on: Jan 28, 2025, 22:53:48 IST
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US President Donald Trump asserted that the US military “just entered the Great State of California” in a bid to strengthen the water supply.

Trump, who has long been critical of state Governor Gavin Newsom, announced on social media that the military “TURNED ON THE WATER” under emergency powers. (Bloomberg)
Trump, who has long been critical of state Governor Gavin Newsom, announced on social media that the military “TURNED ON THE WATER” under emergency powers. (Bloomberg)

The 47th president, who has long been critical of state Governor Gavin Newsom, announced on social media that the military “TURNED ON THE WATER” under emergency powers after a string of destructive wildfires in the Los Angeles area. However, officials from the state disputed his claim.

“The United States Military just entered the Great State of California and, under Emergency Powers, TURNED ON THE WATER flowing abundantly from the Pacific Northwest, and beyond,” Trump wrote. “The days of putting a Fake Environmental argument, over the PEOPLE, are OVER. Enjoy the water, California!!!”

Trump announcement comes at a time when three wildfires – Palisades Fire, Hughes Fire and Eaton Fire – were still continuing to burn around Los Angeles.

In response, California’s state Department of Water Resources said in a post on X, “The military did not enter California.”

“The federal government restarted federal water pumps after they were offline for maintenance for three days. State water supplies in Southern California remain plentiful,” it added.

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Trump has been harshly critical of Newsom's attempts to control the wildfires in Los Angeles, calling him “Newscum” on social media.

The President has frequently blamed the catastrophe on what he claims are water shortages brought due to California state policies. However, state officials have rejected this, claiming that a water pumping station that had been down for maintenance was restarted.

Trump issued an executive order on Friday directing federal agencies to “override” state policies whenever they seem it fit and “maximize” water deliveries to California.

Trump's executive order stated that “firefighters were unable to fight the blaze due to dry hydrants, empty reservoirs, and inadequate water infrastructure.”

  • Shweta Kukreti
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shweta Kukreti

    Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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