Newsom knocks Johnson for 'partisan games' over wildfire response

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) took a swipe at Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) Friday for his criticism over his administration's handling of the deadly Los Angeles wildfires.

“Mr. Speaker, when Louisianans need help after hurricanes, it's Californians — many of whom have been impacted by these fires — who foot the bill to help your constituents," Newsom wrote on social platform X. "And they do it without playing partisan games.

“Millions of your supporters are out here and they need your help, empathy, care and whatever compassion you are willing to express,” he added. “Do the right thing.”

Johnson on Thursday accused the Democratic governor of exploiting the wildfires in order to make "clap back" videos.

"Instead of making highly produced clap back videos with social media influencers, you should get to work helping Californians," Johnson wrote. "You’re the leader of a state in crisis, and you should finally start acting like it."

The Louisiana Republican joins a growing list of GOP lawmakers who have scrutinized Democrats and California officials for the flames’ costly damages. Capitol Hill is now bracing for what could be a contentious battle over emergency spending in light of the devastation the fires have left throughout the Los Angeles region.

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said any federal aid for rebuilding should come with conditions due to years of continued “mismanagement.” The Speaker backed the proposal alongside many other Republican lawmakers.

However, President Biden announced the federal government would fund 100 percent of recovery efforts for a 180-day period.

“We’re doing literally everything we can at a federal level,” Biden said in a briefing with administration officials earlier this month.

President-elect Trump has also been highly critical of Newsom’s fire management strategy for years, and some worry he could slash federal support after he returns to the White House.

The Trump-Newsom feud is nothing new, but the wildfires have exacerbated their debate over water regulations in the Golden State.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) has also been under the microscope in light of the fires.

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