By Caroline Kelly, CNN
President Donald Trump approved California’s request for a presidential disaster declaration to help combat the state’s record-setting wildfires, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Friday, a day after the administration initially rejected the request.
“Just got off the phone with President Trump who has approved our Major Disaster Declaration request. Grateful for his quick response,” Newsom said in a statement Friday.
The back and forth comes after the White House said Thursday that California’s request for a presidential major disaster declaration was rejected because it was “not supported by the relevant data.” Thirty-one people have died as a result of the wildfires and more than 9,200 structures have been destroyed.
Related news stories
Trump overrules FEMA, approves California’s request for wildfire disaster help (San Francisco Chronicle)
Trump administration rejects, then approves, emergency aid for California fires, including biggest blaze in state history (Washington Post)
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