Trump Reverses Decision to Reject California Request for Wildfire Relief

"The president gave his approval to a package of wildfire disaster relief only hours after officials from his administration had explained why the state should not receive the aid."

"MORAGA, Calif. — President Trump reversed himself on Friday, approving a package of wildfire disaster relief for California hours after officials from his administration had explained why the state should not receive the aid.

The abrupt turnaround came after the president spoke with Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, and Representative Kevin McCarthy, a Republican and the House minority leader, with the White House saying the men “presented a convincing case” for the state receiving the aid.

The disaster relief aid covers six major wildfires that scorched more than 1.8 million acres, destroyed thousands of structures and caused at least three deaths last month."

Thomas Fuller and Derrick Bryson Taylor report for the New York Times October 16, 2020.

Source: NYTimes, 10/19/2020