The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has declared that California must make two important adjustments to access federal assistance for reconstruction after the devastating fires in the region. Trump insisted that the state must require voter identification and change its water management policy. During a visit to North Carolina before heading to Los Angeles to assess the damage caused by the fires, Trump pointed out that with these conditions, California will receive help from the United States.
Amid criticism towards California Governor Gavin Newsom, Trump again made false claims about state authorities, stating that they did not allow the necessary flow of water during the fires. Since the fires began in early January, Trump has repeatedly accused authorities of wasting water that, according to him, should be directed to affected areas. The President has mentioned that the modification in water management is essential and has threatened to withhold federal aid if his conditions are not met.
On the other hand, Trump's demands regarding voter identification add to the tensions over this issue in the country. The Republican Party defends the need for a photo ID to vote as a measure to prevent electoral fraud, while Democrats argue that this requirement may limit participation from certain groups, especially those with fewer economic resources. Currently, 36 states in the United States require some form of identification to vote, while an additional 14, including California, use different methods to verify voter identity.
These conditions imposed by Trump reflect a political struggle around two fundamental issues in the country, water management and voter identification, with direct implications for federal aid to California amid the devastation caused by the fires.
