What A Day While LA Burns, Trump Fuels The Disinformation Fire
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Jan 10, 2025 Scott Waldman, a White House reporter at Politico’s E&E News, provides insights into the catastrophic Palisades and Eaton wildfires in Los Angeles, which have wreaked havoc on thousands of structures. He delves into the rampant misinformation linked to these disasters, fueled by political figures, including Trump. Waldman highlights the challenges first responders face and stresses the need for improved disaster relief and infrastructure in light of escalating climate change. The discussion is a timely reminder of the intersection between climate policy and media narratives.
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Water Claim Debunked
- Trump's claim about Newsom withholding water is false; it's about protecting the delta smelt.
- This action primarily benefits Northern California agriculture, not Southern California reservoirs for firefighting.
Politicization of Disasters
- Disasters have become politicized due to social media and figures like Trump.
- People exploit others' anger and fear after disasters to blame political opponents.
Trump's Aid Politics
- Trump previously delayed aid for a 2018 California wildfire, only changing his mind after seeing voter data.
- This highlights his willingness to use federal aid as a political tool.