Politics

Calif. Gov. Newsom Hits Back At President Trump's Wildfire Criticism

It's the latest chapter in the ongoing dispute between President Trump and Gov. Newsom over the environmental conditions of the state.

Calif. Gov. Newsom Hits Back At President Trump's Wildfire Criticism
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California Gov. Gavin Newsom is calling out President Trump for his understanding of climate change. It's in response to the president's criticism of the state's forest management in light of ongoing wildfires.

On Sunday, President Trump said on Twitter: "the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, has done a terrible job of forest management. I told him from the first day we met that he must "clean" his forest floors regardless of what his bosses, the environmentalists, DEMAND of him. Must also do burns and cut fire stoppers....."

Newsom responded on Twitter by saying "You don't believe in climate change. You are excused from this conversation."

President Trump's comments have sparked backlash among politicians and California residents alike, as much of the wildfires in the state this fall have been in grassland areas, not forests. 

In a statement, Gov. Newsom said, "We're successfully waging war against thousands of fires started across the state in the last few weeks due to extreme weather created by climate change while Trump is conducting a full on assault against the antidotes."

President Trump and Gov. Newsom have an ongoing dispute over the environmental conditions of the state. President Trump, who has often denied climate change and its impact on the environment, at one point blamed California's homeless population as the cause of environmental issues. 

As of Monday morning, there are seven active wildfires in California. 

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.