Governor Gavin Newsom launches a fake fact-checking website to defend his wildfire response, but criticism mounts over its fundraising links.
At a Glance
- Newsom created a website to combat misinformation about Los Angeles area wildfires
- The site is linked to ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising platform
- Wildfires have destroyed thousands of acres and homes, causing over a dozen deaths
- Newsom faces criticism from President-elect Trump over his environmental policies
- The governor claims California has increased forest management efforts
Newsom’s Defensive Strategy
California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken a VERY controversial decision in response to mounting criticism over his administration’s handling of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. The governor has launched a new website aimed at combating what he claims is misinformation about the state’s fire response efforts. This move comes as the wildfires continue to ravage thousands of acres, destroying homes and claiming lives across Southern California.
The website, which provides fact-based data on the Southern California wildfires, has stirred controversy due to its connection with ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising platform. While the site includes a donation button for the California Fire Foundation, critics argue that using a partisan platform for disaster relief is inappropriate.
In other words: he’s shutting down dissent. And unbelievably, he even seems to be tricking people into donating to the Democratic Party under the guise of helping victims.
Fundraising Controversy
The donation feature on Newsom’s fact-checking website has raised eyebrows among conservatives. Contributions, ranging from $25 to $1,000, are processed through ActBlue, a Democratic Political Action Committee that has raised over $16 billion since 2004. Despite assurances that all donations go directly to support firefighters and affected communities, the use of a partisan platform has fueled skepticism.
“Not a cent of these donations go to Gavin Newsom or his PAC. Gov. Newsom is proud to have raised $450,000 for the Fire Foundation in small dollar contributions during these fires and is grateful for the people across the nation who have come together to help Californians in their time of need,” Nathan Click, Newsom spokesperson Nathan Click said.
Newsom’s team has clarified that no donations go to the governor or his PAC, and ActBlue has reportedly waived its usual 3.95% processing fee for fire donations. However, the association with a Democratic fundraising tool during a time of crisis has led to accusations of politicizing the tragedy.
What were they thinking?
The wildfire crisis has also reignited tensions between California’s Democratic leadership and Republican figures, including President-elect Trump. Trump has been vocal in his criticism of Newsom’s environmental policies, alleging they have contributed to the severity of the wildfires.
“Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snow melt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way,” Trump said.
In response, Newsom has invited Trump to visit the fire scene, urging against politicizing the tragedy. The Governor maintains that California has not cut its firefighting budget and has increased forest management efforts. However, criticisms persist, including issues with water supply for fire hydrants in some affected areas.
