Former U.S. Special Envoy Ric Grenell blasted California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday, accusing him of misleading the public about the state’s true intentions behind post-wildfire redevelopment plans in Los Angeles.
Grenell’s remarks came amid rising anger from local residents over Newsom’s decision to fund low-income housing projects on land scorched by the devastating Palisades fires. Critics say the move is a veiled attempt at a government land grab.
Last week, Newsom announced $101 million in funding for developers to construct affordable housing on fire-damaged land. The announcement came on the heels of his signing legislation that rolled back environmental restrictions — clearing the path for dense, multi-unit housing construction in urban areas.
Tensions escalated further when the California State Senate advanced a controversial proposal to create a new local authority with the power to use property tax revenue to purchase burned lots for redevelopment. Many locals saw the move as an attempt to bypass community input and fast-track government-controlled rebuilding.
In response to the backlash, State Senator Ben Allen (D–Santa Monica) announced late Wednesday he was withdrawing his own version of the bill, citing the need for more public engagement before the plan moves forward.
Grenell, echoing public frustration, accused Newsom of dishonesty: “Gavin Newsom lied. This is not about recovery — it’s about control,” he said.
