California is burning—again—and Caitlyn Jenner is not holding back on who she believes is to blame. The former Olympian and ex-gubernatorial candidate has slammed state officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, for what she calls a failure to prioritize proactive wildfire prevention and sound environmental management. As flames ravage Southern California, destroying thousands of homes and leaving millions on edge, Jenner argues that California’s leadership is ill-equipped to address the state’s growing crises.
A Crisis Fueled by Mismanagement?
Jenner, a Malibu resident of nearly five decades, has personally experienced the devastation of wildfires. Her Malibu home, valued at $3.5 million, narrowly escaped destruction during previous fires—thanks, she claims, to her own proactive efforts to clear underbrush. But the land bordering her property, owned by the state, tells a different story. Sharing a photo of the overgrown terrain on social media, Jenner accused California’s forestry service of hypocrisy, saying, “Notice the difference between my grounds keeping and the state’s? No underbrush or forest management on their lands, providing a plethora of fuel for wildfires.”
Her critique centers on California’s stringent homeowner mandates, which require residents in fire-prone areas to clear 100 feet of “defensible space” around their properties to mitigate fire risks. While homeowners are penalized for noncompliance, Jenner claims the state fails to hold itself to the same standards. “We pay high property taxes for basic services like forest management,” she wrote. “But instead, we get CA=HYPOCRISY.”
Critics, however, have pointed out that living in high-risk areas like Malibu is a choice. Some argue that taxpayers should not bear the financial burden of maintaining safety for affluent homeowners who opt to live in fire-prone regions. Others, like Jenner, believe the state’s lack of preparedness is a broader issue affecting all Californians—not just the wealthy.
Fires as a “Spotlight” on Political Failures
In a fiery appearance on Fox News, Jenner doubled down on her criticism of California’s leadership, likening their approach to a game of “whack-a-mole.” She argued that politicians react to crises only after they occur, rather than implementing long-term solutions. “What I think this fire is going to do,” she said, “is shine a very bright light on California’s political weaknesses.”
Jenner pointed to California’s failure to modernize its water infrastructure as another example of poor governance. Despite record rainfall last year, the state’s outdated water storage systems failed to retain much-needed reserves, a missed opportunity to prepare for future droughts and wildfire seasons. “In the ’60s, we built the California aqueduct, one of the greatest water projects in history,” she said. “Since then, we’ve been run by liberal Democrats, and it’s just been a decline.”
“We’re Not Gold Anymore” Says Caitlyn Jenner
Perhaps Jenner’s most cutting remarks came as she reflected on California’s decline over the decades. “Boy, have I seen this state decline over the years,” she lamented. “We’re not gold, we’re not silver, we’re not bronze. We don’t even make the finals anymore, and that’s all because of politicians.”
She also criticized Governor Newsom for downplaying the severity of the current wildfire season. While the governor called the fires “unusual,” Jenner countered, “No, it’s not. I’ve lived in Malibu for 48 years. Fires happen all the time. The difference is, we’re not prepared.”
Caitlyn Jenner hopes the wildfires will serve as a wake-up call for Californians to rethink their voting habits. “I hope the people of California can really change their thinking,” she said. “It’s things like this that have to happen.” She described the state as being “controlled by Democrats” who “control the money, the votes, and the unions,” adding, “To me, the whole state is like a big scam.”
While her comments have ignited debate, they also highlight a broader frustration among Californians over the state’s handling of its environmental challenges. With at least 25 lives lost, over 12,000 structures destroyed, and damages estimated at $40 billion, the stakes are higher than ever.
As the flames continue to rage, one thing is clear: California’s wildfire crisis is more than an environmental disaster—it’s a political reckoning. Whether Jenner’s fiery rhetoric will resonate with voters remains to be seen, but her message is loud and clear: the Golden State has lost its shine, and only bold, proactive leadership can restore it.
