After California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted an Instagram Story of himself coming to the scene of the Palisades Fire, many criticized him for using the tragedy as a “photo op” while blaming him for the tragedy.
“Gavin Newsom has arrived for the photo op of him watching his state burn to the ground,” controversial account Libs of TikTok wrote alongside the video.
Popular conservative X account Breaking 911 mocked Newsom for showing up to the fire.
“JUST IN: California Gov. Gavin Newsom has showed up to the scene of the Palisades fire to put his hands in his back pockets,” it said.
“Gov Newsom poses for cameras with hands in pockets as fire engulfs homes,” another account wrote.
Others blasted the governor for the lack of progress on California’s water storage and reservoir project, which voters approved a decade ago.
“Just a reminder that California voters approved a ballot measure to have more water storage built & Gavin Newsom still hasn’t done it,” radio host Ari Hoffman said. “As a result, millions of gallons of snow melt and rain pour into the Pacific Ocean.”
