Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has strongly condemned California Governor Gavin Newsom and other state leaders for their perceived lack of preparedness in the face of the devastating wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles. Speaking on "The Brian Kilmeade Show," Christie labeled the response an "enormous failure" and a "tragedy" for affected families, emphasizing the governor's ultimate accountability in such crises. He criticized Newsom for seemingly deflecting responsibility and not being proactive in addressing the predictable spread of the fires.

The Eaton and Palisades fires, ignited the previous Tuesday, have collectively consumed nearly 40,000 acres, resulting in a combined death toll of 24 as of Monday morning. Christie expressed heartbreak over the irreplaceable losses suffered by residents, from cherished memories captured in photos and videos to homes reduced to ashes. He asserted that the government's role is to provide necessary financial aid to help victims rebuild, a responsibility he believes Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have failed to fulfill. He further suggested that Mayor Bass appears unaware of the situation's gravity.

A firefighter combats the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, Los Angeles, on Saturday, January 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

The inadequate water supply for firefighting efforts has drawn significant criticism. Bass acknowledged that up to 20% of the city's hydrants were dry, forcing firefighters to seek alternative water sources. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power struggled to keep up with the high demand, leaving water tanks used to pressurize hydrants depleted. Newsom has ordered an independent investigation into this critical issue, acknowledging its potential impact on protecting homes and evacuation routes.

Christie also took issue with Newsom's public disagreements with then President-elect Donald Trump regarding the wildfire crisis, arguing that a governor's duty is to cooperate with the federal government regardless of political differences. He interpreted Newsom's actions as a sign of prioritizing personal political aspirations over the immediate needs of Californians. When questioned about his role in the crisis and his support for Mayor Bass, Newsom reportedly evaded direct answers, fueling Christie's speculation that Newsom is primarily focused on a potential presidential bid. Christie concluded by stating that Newsom should prioritize fulfilling his gubernatorial responsibilities.