Former US President Donald Trump has reignited controversy by blaming California for the state's ongoing wildfire crisis, claiming poor forest management is to blame. His remarks drew a swift and pointed response from the National Weather Service (NWS), which defended the state's efforts amid escalating climate challenges.
Trump's Criticism Sparks Backlash
In a social media post, Trump asserted that California's wildfires were a result of inadequate forest maintenance, ignoring broader climate factors. "They don’t clean their floors—I mean, their forests," he wrote, repeating a claim he frequently made during his presidency.
NWS Fires Back
The NWS swiftly countered, emphasising that wildfires are exacerbated by extreme weather conditions, including prolonged droughts and record-breaking heatwaves—phenomena linked to climate change. "Attributing wildfires solely to forest management is misleading and ignores the science," an NWS spokesperson stated.
Climate Change vs. Political Rhetoric
Experts warn that politicising natural disasters undermines efforts to address climate-related risks. California has faced increasingly severe wildfire seasons, with scientists pointing to rising global temperatures as a key driver.
Meanwhile, firefighters continue to battle multiple blazes across the state, with thousands of acres already scorched.
