At a time when the US sent billions of dollars worth of military aid for Ukraine and "Israel", an Ohio Republican congressman has called for federal disaster relief to be withheld from California unless the state reforms its forestry management practices, which some have blamed for the rapid spread of the wind-driven fires that broke out Tuesday.

Warren Davidson’s remarks on Fox Business with Maria Bartiromo on Friday coincided with California Governor Gavin Newsom’s appeal to avoid politicizing the response to the wildfires, which have claimed lives and destroyed thousands of homes.

BREAKING: CALIFORNIA CHANGES NAME TO UKRAINE TO RECEIVE FASTER AID FROM THE GOVERNMENT. pic.twitter.com/8OaXH7hvT3

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Davidson’s comments arose as Congress deliberated on a spending bill that must pass by March to prevent a government shutdown. The bill includes disaster relief funds for California. Davidson cited the American Relief Act of 2025, which allocated $110 billion for disaster recovery in regions affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene, including North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, among others.

Davidson argued that Congress should address wildfire damages as it has for hurricane recovery but insisted, “If they want the money, then there should be consequences where they have to change their policies” regarding forestry management. He added, “We support the people that are plagued by disaster, but we have to put pressure on the California government to change course here.”

The politicization of the Los Angeles fires, evident from the outset, appears to be intensifying. Former President Donald Trump, set to begin a second term on January 20, alluded to his previous accusations in 2018 of California’s “gross mismanagement” of forests following devastating wildfires in Malibu and Paradise.

At the time, Newsom defended California’s wildfire prevention efforts while criticizing federal inaction. In a post on X, he told Trump, “You don’t believe in climate change. You are excused from this conversation.”

Recently, Trump accused California of diverting water from northern regions to southern areas to protect the endangered Delta smelt fish, blaming environmentalists for hindering wildfire responses.

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On Friday, Newsom temporarily set aside political disputes, inviting Trump to visit affected areas, meet first responders, and engage with disaster-stricken communities. In a letter, he urged, “In the spirit of this great country, we must not politicize human tragedy or spread disinformation from the sidelines. Hundreds of thousands of Americans – displaced from their homes and fearful for the future – deserve to see all of us working in their best interests to ensure a fast recovery and rebuild.”

However, Newsom later criticized Trump during an interview for Pod Save America, rejecting his claims about withheld water and the Delta smelt as “delusional” and part of a “consistent mantra from Trump going back years.” He described the claims as “profoundly ignorant” and part of an effort to spread misinformation.

Newsom expressed concern that Trump might withhold federal relief funds, saying, “He’s done it in the past, not just here in California,” referencing prior incidents in Puerto Rico, Utah, Connecticut, and Georgia. He added, “The rhetoric is very familiar, it’s increasingly acute, and obviously we all have reason to be concerned.”

Newsom dismissed Trump’s assertions about water management as a “salad” of misinformation, calling them “made-up, delusional, and profoundly demeaning.” He added that Trump’s comments introduced “a falsehood” into the wildfire crisis in a way that was “damaging and unhelpful.”

President Joe Biden has already approved a disaster declaration for the southern California fires, ensuring federal coverage of fire management and debris removal costs for six months. However, with Biden’s presidency ending soon, future federal assistance will depend on Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress.

Newsom expressed gratitude to Biden for the swift federal response, writing in his letter to Trump, “Biden’s action was a strong indication of the partnership California needs and appreciates with any federal administration.”

Newsom also warned of continued threats, noting that “higher-than-normal winds of up to 70 miles per hour are still forecast for the next several days, with more extreme winds likely early next week and no change to dry conditions.”

An unnamed Trump official, speaking to Politico, downplayed concerns that Trump would withhold aid from California.

Read more: Biden says California fires death toll to increase, many are missing