The amount of water that can be pumped from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is limited under federal and state regulations to protect a fish called the smelt, which has been considered endangered for more than a decade, The Hill reported.
Smelt do not live long, but losing them could have ripple effects on the broader ecosystem.
During a press conference at his Los Angeles area golf club on Friday, Trump said that the water entering the state as “dead” and demanded that Governor Newsom, whom he called “Newscum,” make changes.
“And Gavin Newscum is gonna sign those papers, and if he doesn’t sign those papers, we won’t give him money to put all his fires,” he said.
“And if we don’t give him money to put out his fires, he’s got problems,” Trump continued. “He’s a lousy governor.”
He also stated that if he is reelected, he would provide California with ample water, enabling farmers to fully utilize their land, according to The Hill.
Trump’s remarks were part of a broader critique of the state and its leaders, including vice president Harris, for various issues such as the economy and immigration. He attempted to connect the current challenges facing the state to Harris, who previously held positions as district attorney of San Francisco, attorney general of California, and a US senator for the state.