Donald Trump — Jan 8, 2025

← Findings

On January 8, 2025, President-elect Donald Trump posted on Truth Social blaming California Gov. Gavin Newsom for the Los Angeles-area wildfires. He tied dry fire hydrants in the Pacific Palisades to Newsom’s water policies. Fact-checkers said the claims were false or misleading.

Codes

• Deflects Blame yes — Blames Newsom/Biden rather than engaging wildfire/climate policy.
• Disaster Mention yes — Names Pacific Palisades hydrants during these fires.
• Climate Connection no — Blame for water policy, not climate cause.
• Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no — Not a Democratic obstruction claim.
• Spreads Disinformation partial — Fact-checkers rejected "water restoration declaration" claim.