White House approves California’s wildfire funding before the election

World Today

 

For nearly 70 years, U.S. presidents have been authorized to issue declarations that provide states with federal emergency funds in response to natural and human-caused disasters. Although political considerations are not part of the criteria, research by a Congressional think tank shows that politics may have played a role, especially in election years. A potential case in point: President Trump’s recent decision to approve federal aid for California wildfires.