Gavin Newsom echoes Trump with ‘rake the forests’ wildfire plan

Well, folks, in a twist that could make even the staunchest skeptic raise an eyebrow, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has borrowed a page straight out of President Donald Trump’s playbook with a new wildfire strategy dubbed “Make America Rake Again.”

In a stunning reversal, Newsom unveiled this approach during a press conference in Placer County on Tuesday, signaling a shift in tone on wildfire management while seemingly passing the buck to the federal government amid growing criticism of his administration’s track record, as Breitbart reports.

Let’s rewind a bit to understand this head-scratcher. Back in 2020, Newsom openly scoffed at Trump’s suggestion to clear dead trees and brush from forests to prevent fires, even joking on national television about the absurdity of such a hands-on approach. It was a cheap shot then, but apparently, the idea has grown on him.

From mockery to mirror image

“We have no raking policy,” Newsom quipped during a 2020 appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers. Oh, how the tables turn—now he’s singing a different tune, or at least humming the same melody as Trump, with a catchy slogan to boot.

Under Newsom’s watch, California has endured devastating wildfires, with multiple major blazes scorching the state and exposing significant gaps in preparedness. While the governor points fingers elsewhere, the reality of these failures remains a sore spot for many residents tired of smoke-filled skies.

Fast forward to Tuesday’s press conference, where Newsom argued that California only oversees 3% of the state’s land while the federal government controls a whopping 57%. It’s a convenient statistic, though he sidestepped addressing fires like those in Los Angeles earlier this year that ignited on state-managed turf.

Shifting blame to federal lands

“The president of the United States needs to do more,” Newsom declared during the Placer County event, demanding federal investments to match the rhetoric. It’s a bold ask, but one wonders if pointing upstream will douse the flames of criticism at home.

Newsom also highlighted that many recent fires originated on federal land, a claim that carries weight but doesn’t erase the state’s own struggles. Meanwhile, he’s pushing for $40 billion in aid from Trump to tackle the aftermath this year’s L.A. fires — a hefty sum that raises questions about accountability on both sides.

On the ground, California isn’t sitting idle, managing over 2,200 vegetation clearance projects in state forests and shelling out $350 million to tidy up federal lands. That’s a lot of green for a state that just signed off on a $322 billion budget, yet wildfire solutions still seem elusive.

Hydrants dry, answers drier

During the Palisades Fire, local fire hydrants ran dry — a chilling failure that left communities vulnerable. When pressed by CNN for answers, Newsom’s response was a curt “Figure that out.” Not exactly the reassuring leadership one hopes for in a crisis.

Adding to the fiscal juggling act, Newsom allocated $50 million to challenge the Trump administration in court over immigration and other national policies. It’s a curious priority when wildfire victims are still rebuilding, but perhaps political posturing takes precedence in Sacramento.

Back at the press conference, Newsom couldn’t resist a jab, mocking Trump with, “He quite literally thinks you should just go out and rake the forest.” It’s a strange quip from someone now embracing the very concept he once derided — turns out, irony is thicker than California brush.

Political games or genuine pivot?

“The Trump administration needs to step up,” Newsom insisted, calling for funding not just for California but across the West. Fair enough, but leadership starts at home, and deflecting responsibility won’t clear the undergrowth or rebuild trust with struggling communities.

This “Make America Rake Again” pivot feels like more than just a policy shift — it’s a calculated move, perhaps with an eye on higher office. While Newsom’s frustration with federal inaction is understandable, adopting Trump’s rhetoric after years of mockery leaves many wondering if this is principle or opportunism.

At the end of the day, Californians deserve real solutions, not recycled slogans or blame games. Wildfires aren’t a partisan issue — they’re a shared crisis demanding cooperation over clever catchphrases. Let’s hope both state and federal leaders rake up some actual results before the next fire season strikes.