At the U.S. Capitol, Trump paid his respects to the late Jimmy Carter just feet away before briefly discussing the encounter with reporters. For a brief moment, Trump fielded questions about the California wildfires, border security, and even former Republican Representative Liz Cheney.
“On California, Mr. President,” a reporter inquired. You frequently stated during the pandemic that you [inaudible] didn’t think you should help blue states. Are you open to cooperating with Governor Gavin Newsom in light of your criticism of him?

“Oh sure,” Trump said in response.

“And do you think California should continue to receive federal aid for however long it takes?” The reporter went on.

It’s really unfortunate because I’ve been pleading with Gavin Newsom to let water in. Up there, you have amazing water. They send it out to the Pacific because they are attempting to save a small fish known as the smelt in other places. They also don’t have any water for the smelt’s benefit. In Los Angeles, there was no water in the fire hydrants today. That was a bad thing. And we will accomplish that. Finally, it will be finished,” Trump declared.