In an interview aired Wednesday night, Trump said he may withhold aid to California until the state adjusts how it manages its scarce water resources. He falsely claimed that California’s fish conservation efforts in the northern part of the state are responsible for fire hydrants running dry in urban areas.

Republicans say they may make California bend to their policy demands before approving wildfire aid. That would set a terrible precedent.

The president threatened to condition federal funding on a voter ID law and water policy changes ahead of a trip to California.

President Donald Trump is remaking the traditional boundaries of Washington, asserting unprecedented executive power and daring anyone to stop him