California Governor Gavin Newsom has found himself under intense scrutiny for his response to the devastating wildfires currently ravaging Los Angeles. Accusations of deflecting responsibility and dodging accountability have arisen following several media appearances by the governor during the crisis.

In a recent interview with NBC's "Meet the Press," Newsom was challenged on whether ultimate responsibility for the situation rested with him. His response, emphasizing a collaborative approach and the interconnectedness of Californians' well-being, was met with criticism from some who interpreted it as a lack of personal accountability. The governor's appearance on the popular podcast "Pod Save America," hosted by former Obama staffers, also drew criticism, with some questioning the timing of the interview amidst the ongoing emergency.

Critics on social media characterized Newsom's responses as evasive and lacking substance, with some labeling them a "word salad." However, others defended the governor, praising his criticisms of President-elect Donald Trump during the NBC interview. Former California state Sen. Melissa Melendez was among those who accused Newsom of shirking responsibility.

Newsom addressed the criticism during his podcast appearance, emphasizing his focus on understanding the facts of the situation, including investigating issues with water pressure to fire hydrants and water availability from the Santa Ynez Reservoir. He stated his priority was determining what occurred, rather than assigning blame.

The governor also engaged on social media, aiming to counter certain narratives surrounding the fires. He highlighted the support received from President Biden, including full federal reimbursement and ample resources. Newsom also addressed comments made by President-elect Trump, who had previously attributed blame for the wildfires to the governor.

A spokesperson for Newsom defended the governor's podcast appearance, stating that it was a means of reaching a broad audience and providing critical updates and resources to Californians through a popular platform.