While LA Burns, Trump Fuels The Disinformation Fire
What A Day
Deep Dive
What is the scale of destruction caused by the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles?
The Palisades and Eaton fires have damaged or destroyed over 9,000 structures and burned nearly 30,000 acres of land, making them some of the most destructive and expensive wildfires in American history.
What false claims about the wildfires have been spread online?
False claims include that the fires were caused by diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, that Governor Gavin Newsom is withholding water from Northern California, and that L.A. Mayor Karen Bass transferred firefighting funds to unhoused people or the LAPD. None of these claims are true.
Why is Trump's claim about Governor Newsom withholding water false?
Trump's claim is false because the water issue he references involves protecting an endangered fish species, the smelt, in the Sacramento Delta, which benefits agriculture in Northern California. This has no connection to the reservoirs needed to fight the wildfires in Southern California.
Is FEMA out of money to handle the wildfire crisis, as Trump claims?
No, FEMA is fully funded until the end of the fiscal year on September 30th. While challenges could arise if there's a severe hurricane season, FEMA currently has the resources to manage the wildfire crisis.
Why are natural disasters like wildfires increasingly politicized?
Natural disasters are politicized due to social media amplification and political figures like Trump using them to attack opponents. Disasters often leave people feeling neglected by the government, making it easy to assign blame and spread conspiracy theories.
What is the role of climate change in the intensity of the wildfires?
Climate change has intensified the wildfires, with first responders noting that the fires are moving too fast and are too intense to control in some areas. The Santa Ana winds and dry conditions have exacerbated the situation, making it a climate-fueled disaster.
Could Trump reverse Biden's order to cover 100% of wildfire costs for 180 days?
Yes, Trump could reverse Biden's order or condition it on political demands, such as migrant detention policies. He has previously delayed disaster aid to California, using federal resources to punish political opponents.
What strain do catastrophic natural disasters like wildfires put on infrastructure and budgets?
These disasters place tremendous strain on infrastructure and budgets, highlighting the immediate costs of climate change. Investments in forest management, building regulations, and infrastructure upgrades are urgently needed to mitigate future risks.
What are some constructive solutions to address wildfire risks?
Solutions include better forest management, controlled burns, updated building regulations, and vegetation control. Preparing for climate-related infrastructure threats, such as sea level rise on the East Coast, is also critical.
What is the significance of the North Carolina Supreme Court case involving Justice Alison Riggs?
The case challenges the legitimacy of Riggs' re-election based on unverified claims of voter fraud. If successful, it could set a precedent for overturning election results, undermining democracy and the independence of the judiciary.
- Numerous false claims circulated online blamed the wildfires on various factors, including diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and Governor Newsom's alleged withholding of water resources.
- FEMA is fully funded until September 30th.
- Politicians often use natural disasters as an opportunity to attack political opponents and spread misinformation.
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