Advocates push back against blocking disaster relief for Americans

LOS ANGELES — Today, President Donald Trump said at a press conference that future federal aid for the recovery of California’s devastating wildfires will come only if the state establishes a voter ID law and changes its water management strategies.

These comments come on the heels of President Trump inaccurately crediting his 2020 presidential loss to “illegal immigrants” voting in states like California. Voting rights advocates in the state are pushing back, reaffirming the security of California’s election system and criticizing the President for taking advantage of vulnerable Americans for personal political gain. 

The California firestorms in Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Altadena, and elsewhere mark one of the worst natural disasters in California history, damaging more than 16,000 structures and killing at least 28 people. The estimates of costs exceed $250 billion.

Statement from California Common Cause President Virginia Kase Solomón:

“President Trump and the federal government are responsible for representing and serving all Americans, regardless of their background or political party. Threatening to withhold aid to those in need to push a partisan agenda is inhumane and un-American. 

A threat like this does not exist in a vacuum — it goes beyond California and blue states and the current disaster at hand. This could set a precedent of the President withholding aid during times of crisis as a means to advance dangerous policies that would ruthlessly narrow political power. 

As watchdogs and advocates, we will not allow the people or our democracy to be the collateral damage of an attempted power grab. California’s election system is safe, secure, and accessible. 

Right now, Angelenos need federal support to rebuild their communities — not vague political threats. Altadena is home to one of California’s oldest Black communities. Denying aid does not hurt Trump’s political rivals, but further hurts and prevents the rebuilding of communities of color and underserved neighborhoods. To deny such aid would be an act against the American people.”

Statement from California Common Cause Executive Director, Jonathan Mehta Stein:

“Conditioning aid for people devastated by a natural disaster — people sifting through the remains of their lives while they grieve lost homes and loved ones — on a cynical political objective is autocratic and un-American. 

This is bullying of the most vulnerable, and America shouldn’t stand for it. Instead of helping bring our country together in support of devastated Americans, President Trump is taking advantage of a wounded community in service of partisan ends. 

California is proud of its voting laws. Election after election, California proves that we can build and run election systems that are both accessible and secure. Studies show Voter ID laws deny eligible voters access to the ballot. Instead, we have best-in-class security protocols that have ensured no major voter fraud scandals despite tens of millions of California votes being cast every two years. 

Instituting a voter ID law would restrict the right to vote on the basis of class and color with virtually zero additional election security benefit.”