Trump's Use of Disasters for Political Gain

Donald Trump frequently exploits natural disasters as opportunities to attack political adversaries and amplify political divisiveness. During the catastrophic wildfires in California, he laid blame on Governor Gavin Newsom and President Biden, despite evidence contradicting his claims regarding disaster management and resources. This pattern reflects a broader trend in which Trump and MAGA figures turn moments of collective crisis into divisive partisan battles, undermining efforts for unity and recovery in the face of tragedy. Such behavior represents a shift away from historical norms where disasters prompted some level of common humanity and cooperation among the public.