California officials have pushed back against President Donald Trump’s claim made on January 27, 2025, asserting the U.S. military intervened to release water during the recovery from devastating wildfires. The controversy arises as the state navigates the aftermath of fires igniting on January 7, which claimed 28 lives and destroyed over 17,000 homes.

Trump took to Truth Social, stating, “The United States Military just entered the Great State of California and, under emergency powers, TURNED ON THE WATER flowing abundantly from the Pacific Northwest, and beyond.” This assertion prompted immediate clarification from California’s Department of Water Resources.

“The military did not enter California. The federal government restarted federal water pumps after they were offline for maintenance for three days. State water supplies in Southern California remain plentiful,” they posted, seeking to dispel any confusion quickly.

The exchange highlights the fraying relationship between Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom, particularly over the state's water resources and wildfire management strategies. Trump's recent executive orders direct federal agencies to override California’s water policies, igniting tension as he champions efforts to divert more water to drought-stricken Central Valley farmers.

During his visit to the Pacific Palisades, one of the fire-ravaged areas, Trump suggested if the water had been flowing from northern California, it would have aided...

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