Jillian Michaels, host of the ‘Keeping It Real’ podcast, addresses the issue of social media dependence while prominent tech firms face trial, also reproaching California’s leadership concerning the recent wildfires on ‘Varney & Co.’
Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, has directly criticized the Trump administration by broadening a state mortgage aid initiative to $100,000 per residence, simultaneously alleging that the White House has “abandoned” those affected by California’s fires.
Newsom declared on Thursday that homeowners impacted by disasters are now eligible for a complete 12 months of mortgage payment assistance, a substantial leap from the prior three months, with the total rising to $100,000.
The highest level of aid per household dramatically surged from its initial $20,000. As stated in a state press release, these funds are non-repayable grants, with disbursements made straight to mortgage lenders.
Thus far, an estimated $6.5 million has reportedly been distributed to 793 beneficiaries, predominantly from the Palisades and Eaton blazes, leaving a considerable segment of the fund’s $1 billion allocation yet to be utilized.
CALIFORNIANS CONFRONT A HARSH DILEMMA A YEAR AFTER LOS ANGELES INFERNOS DEVASTATED THEIR EXISTENCE
The office of Governor Newsom did not provide an immediate response to Fox News Digital’s inquiry for a statement.
Gavin Newsom, governor of California, attends the 62nd Munich Security Conference Feb. 13, 2026. (Kay Nietfeld/picture alliance via Getty Images)
This action indicates a decisive pivot by Sacramento aiming to circumvent a delayed federal catastrophe aid package and deliver immediate financial injections to affluent property owners.
In an official statement, Newsom additionally labeled President Trump’s reaction as a “falsehood” and an “ignominy” as California endeavors to address a perceived void in federal assistance.
“We have maintained a presence, actively listening and adapting to address the changing requirements of individuals. This is why we are enlarging this initiative — to bridge the divide between immediate assistance and sustained recuperation, ensuring people acquire the support essential for progress,” Newsom articulated.
Stuart Varney of FOX Business dissects a harsh New York Times opinion piece by Gov. Gavin Newsom, scrutinizing the departure of more than 1 million inhabitants, the state’s lowest position in affordability, and the tactical disadvantage he represents for his political faction.
However, federal representatives from the Small Business Administration and the White House contend that $3.2 billion in federal credits have already been sanctioned but are being impeded by California’s “local authorization delays” and “excessive regulations.”
SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler had earlier described California’s state and municipal authorization delays as a “debacle” that has prolonged the recuperation from wildfires.
“Under President Trump’s direction and in collaboration with the EPA, the SBA is establishing a swift route to restoration for every loan recipient who has been constrained by the administrative hurdles of Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass,” Loeffler stated.
Janna Kohl, a Palisades Fire casualty, and Cory Weiss, an agent with Douglas Elliman, discuss with Fox News Digital the recuperation endeavors and the repercussions of the Los Angeles-area blazes precisely one year subsequent.
Although the Palisades and Eaton fires were brought under control by late January 2025, the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation indicates they resulted in as much as $53.8 billion solely in property devastation.
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The corporation’s investigation also revealed exceptionally elevated demolition rates, with the Palisades Fire obliterating 56.3% of all evaluated edifices and 55.8% of standalone residences. The Eaton Fire annihilated approximately 50% of all edifices and standalone residences.
Furthermore, over 160 financial institutions have already concurred to provide 90-day grace period extensions beyond the statutory 12 months; and the state has advocated for utilizing reconstruction funds to encourage “fully electric” dwellings, which range from $3,000 to $10,000 less expensive than hybrid-fuel homes yet conform to California’s environmental directives.
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Amanda Macias of Fox News provided input for this dispatch.