
As wildfires rage across California, Gov. Gavin Newsom is calling on President Joe Biden to silence criticism rather than address his administration’s failures. Instead of focusing on firefighting efforts, Newsom is pushing to suppress what he labels as “misinformation,” raising concerns about censorship and accountability.
During a video call with Biden, Newsom complained about the spread of criticism online, describing it as “hurricane-force winds of mis- and disinformation.” His comments come as Californians face devastating losses, with thousands of homes destroyed and fire crews overwhelmed. Newsom’s focus on silencing dissent suggests an effort to deflect attention from his own mismanagement.
Firefighters are struggling due to significant budget cuts and staffing shortages. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s policies have led to an underfunded and understaffed fire department, leaving first responders without adequate resources. Meanwhile, water mismanagement — such as refusing to release water from the California Delta — has worsened conditions on the ground.
BREAKING REPORT: ⚠️ Gavin Newsom asks Joe Biden to CENSOR NEWS about the California wildfires, calls it "disinformation."pic.twitter.com/dOOyelO5WZ
— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) January 10, 2025
Former President Donald Trump directly criticized Newsom for his failure to prioritize firefighting resources. “I’ve been trying to get Gavin Newsom to allow water to come. They send it out to the Pacific because they’re trying to protect a tiny, little fish,” Trump said, highlighting Newsom’s environmental policies that favor wildlife over human safety.
Governor Gavin Newsom asks the federal government to help “deal with disinformation”
🄳🄾🄾🄼🄿🄾🅂🅃🄸🄽🄶 pic.twitter.com/HTFjbXkyAV
— Flash Gordo (@GordDavis5) January 11, 2025
Gavin Newsom wants Joe Biden to INTERVENE in what he deems to be “misinformation” about the fires
“We’ve gotta deal with this misinformation. There are hurricane force winds of mis- and disinformation… We'll have to address that as well.”
Facts show incompetence Gavin. pic.twitter.com/Z5WOGQXKHu
— AZ_Patriot (@Rv6aP) January 11, 2025
Newsom’s plea to Biden is especially troubling as it echoes past attempts by Democrat leaders to silence critics under the guise of combating “disinformation.” The Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has already faced backlash for its role in monitoring speech. Newsom’s request could further erode First Amendment rights.
While California Burns, Gavin Newsom Begs Biden To Silence ‘Disinformation’ #TCOT https://t.co/ue2vpeGllB
— CompuChris (@compuchris) January 11, 2025
Rather than taking responsibility for his administration’s role in this disaster, Newsom is focused on controlling the narrative. This is part of a growing pattern among Democrat leaders to dismiss legitimate concerns as “misinformation” and use federal power to avoid accountability.
Newsom using misinformation & disinformation to cover his ass.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is calling for censorship of “misinformation” on the Los Angeles Fires
He wants censorship because he is directly responsible. Here’s drone footage of the Pacific Palisades fire… pic.twitter.com/bAYvx5319c
— Radio Australis (@freedom4UU) January 11, 2025
California residents need effective leadership — not a governor more concerned with silencing critics than protecting lives and property.