Governor Newsom Denies Depleting Water Supply for Salmon—But This Resurfaced Video From Last Year Tells a Different Story

California Governor Gavin Newsom is once again under fire after denying claims that he prioritized environmental concerns, such as protecting salmon habitats, over the state’s water supply. The controversy reignited after President-elect Donald Trump accused Newsom of choosing “worthless fish” over providing southern California with the water it desperately needed to combat wildfires.

Newsom’s office dismissed Trump’s claims as “pure fiction,” asserting that the governor is focused on “protecting people, not playing politics.” Yet a recently resurfaced video from 2023 seems to tell a different story. In the clip, Newsom is seen touting his administration’s commitment to conserving water for environmental purposes, specifically mentioning fish habitats, even as California faced severe drought conditions.

Video:

Critics argue this is a clear case of Newsom’s rhetoric backfiring. “He’s on record defending decisions that put environmental agendas ahead of human safety,” one commentator said. “Now he’s scrambling to rewrite history while Californians suffer the consequences.”

Trump, who has clashed with Newsom for years over water policy, doubled down on his criticism, calling the governor’s priorities “apocalyptic” as wildfires ravage the Pacific Palisades. The incoming president vowed to redirect water from California’s north to its parched southern regions, a move Newsom previously blocked through legal challenges.

This isn’t the first time Newsom has faced scrutiny for his handling of state resources, but the video has added fuel to the fire—literally. Watch the clip and decide for yourself: Is Newsom’s denial just damage control, or is he trying to cover up a disastrous policy decision?

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