In a move that has reignited tensions over California’s water policies, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday directing federal agencies to “route more water” across the state.
The order, titled “Putting People Over Fish: Stopping Radical Environmentalism to Provide Water to Southern California,” challenges long-standing environmental protections for the endangered Delta smelt, a tiny fish that has been at the center of California’s water debates for decades.
Trump’s directive aims to shift water from Northern California’s Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to the state’s southern regions, particularly to benefit Central Valley farmers. However, experts say the order oversimplifies California’s complex water issues and may not significantly impact Los Angeles’ water supply.
The Battle Over California’s Water Supply
Water management in California has been a contentious issue for over 40 years. The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is a crucial water source, supplying fresh water to millions of Californians and supporting agriculture. However, environmental regulations limit how much water can be diverted to protect the Delta smelt, a fish species that plays a vital role in the ecosystem but is now nearly extinct.
In 2016, during his first presidential campaign, Trump promised to increase water flow to Central Valley farmers. In 2020, he issued a federal memorandum to divert millions of gallons southward, but California Governor Gavin Newsom successfully sued to block the move. Now, Trump’s latest executive order attempts once again to override state protections for the Delta smelt.
Experts Weigh In: A Political Move More Than a Solution
Political analysts and environmental experts argue that Trump’s order is more symbolic than practical.
A Signal to His Supporters
Tom Holyoke, a political science professor at Fresno State University specializing in western water policy, described the order as “so vague” that it serves more as a message to Trump’s base than a real solution.
“It’s not really a solution, it’s a signal to his supporters that he’s trying to do something,” Holyoke said.
He also pointed out that while Central Valley farmers would benefit from more water, Los Angeles primarily relies on water from the Los Angeles River, Owens Valley, and the Colorado River, making Trump’s directive largely irrelevant to the city’s supply issues.
Environmental Impacts and Legal Hurdles
For decades, scientists have argued that excessive water pumping from the Delta has contributed to the near-extinction of the smelt. Under the Endangered Species Act, the federal government is required to take all necessary measures to prevent species from going extinct, regardless of their economic or practical value to humans.
Holyoke explained that similar conservation measures have been taken before, citing how logging was halted in Oregon to protect the spotted owl.
“The act does not take into account whether a species is useful to humanity or not, it requires any endangered species to be saved,” Holyoke added.
With these legal protections in place, Trump’s executive order is expected to face challenges in court, much like his 2020 memorandum.
Trump vs. Newsom: A Growing Feud Over Water and Wildfires
Trump’s latest move escalates his ongoing feud with Governor Gavin Newsom. The former president has repeatedly criticized California’s environmental policies, particularly regarding water usage and wildfire management.
Last week, Trump took to Truth Social to blast Newsom, writing:
“RELEASE THE WATER FROM UP NORTH. MILLIONS OF GALLONS A DAY. WHAT’S TAKING YOU SO LONG?”
In another post, he mocked Newsom by calling him “Newscum” and accused him of prioritizing the protection of the smelt over the needs of Californians.
“Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him… He wanted to protect an essentially worthless fish called a smelt, but didn’t care about the people of California.”
Newsom’s office quickly fired back on X (formerly Twitter), dismissing Trump’s claim, stating:
“There is no such document as the water restoration declaration – that is pure fiction.”
Trump’s Threats: Wildfire Aid Tied to Water Policy Changes?
The clash over water policy is not new. In September, Trump suggested that if he were re-elected, he would cut off federal wildfire aid to California unless Newsom changed water policies protecting the smelt.
“If he doesn’t sign those papers, we won’t give him money to put out all his fires. And, if we don’t give him the money to put out his fires, he’s got problems. He’s a lousy governor.”
With wildfires continuing to devastate parts of Southern California, Trump’s comments have raised concerns about the politicization of disaster relief.
What’s Next? Legal Challenges and Political Maneuvering
Trump’s order will likely face significant legal hurdles, especially with the Endangered Species Act protecting the Delta smelt. California has successfully blocked similar federal directives in the past, and Newsom’s administration is expected to challenge this one as well.
Meanwhile, political analysts believe Trump will use this order as a campaign talking point during his upcoming visit to Southern California to assess wildfire damage.
“Trump might very well bring up the executive order as a talking point,” Holyoke said. “I can’t imagine him not.”
As the legal and political battle unfolds, the debate over California’s water crisis remains far from resolved.
