Summary: Ashley Fabrizio, PhD, Head of Research for More in Common US, writes about Americans’ desire for federal aid to California. She currently resides in Palo Alto, California, and grew up in southern California.
With January's historically destructive southern California wildfires now contained, attention has turned to the long and expensive process of rebuilding. Part of that process is exploring federal funding to aid in disaster relief efforts—support that is desperately needed to complement Governor Newsom’s $2.5B bipartisan state funding package. As Congress considers providing federal aid over the coming weeks, it is imperative that we prioritize disaster relief over politics. Bipartisan cooperation on wildfires is an opportunity for a national change in direction and tone—towards a more constructive and less rancorous politics.
Despite the immediate avalanche of polarizing discourse last month around the wildfires, Americans overwhelmingly support federal assistance for relief efforts in California. Recent polling from More in Common shows that 78 percent of Americans support federal assistance to California “to help repair the damage and assist victims of the fires” (just 6 percent of Americans are opposed). This includes support from 90 percent of Democrats and 72 percent of Republicans.
However, Republican support for federal aid to support California wildfire victims is grossly underestimated by Democrats. Democrats estimate only 40 percent of Republicans believe the federal government should provide aid, whereas 72 percent of Republicans think so.
So why doesn’t it seem like America is united on this disaster aid? Americans too often misunderstand our political opponents’ true policy beliefs, especially when political tensions are high, such as during elections and transfers of power.
This indispensable common ground on California wildfire relief has been effectively obscured by the political rhetoric from those trying to score points. Noisy accusations of bad faith and incompetence—or even conspiracy theories—can quickly shape what we think the other side believes. Instead of criticizing opponents, our leaders and commentators should be looking for moments to rebuild trust in each other and in our institutions.
Rebuilding Trust
Even in this moment of heightened political tension, rebuilding trust is possible. Consider that just three months ago we saw trust in our election system increase. This is a rare bright point in the national story of decreasing trust in U.S. institutions, including around elections. It also was unexpected after a contentious election period where candidates on both sides portrayed American democracy as being at stake. Public figures’ leadership and commentary clearly mattered: starting immediately after the polls closed, we saw responsible commentary from both parties’ leaders.
Today, two-thirds of Americans believe the 2024 election was conducted fairly and securely, both locally (69 percent) and at a national level (66 percent), according to More in Common. Trust in election officials increased, from 40 percent in June 2024 to 48 percent immediately post-election. Most significantly, trust in election officials among Republicans doubled, from 24 percent in June 2024 to 50 percent post-election.
Donald Trump’s quick and clear victory in the election undoubtedly played some role in increasing trust among his supporters, but it isn’t the only factor. In our interviews with Trump supporters post-election, many attributed their increased trust not to the outcome, but to what they witnessed on election day and the improved processes in place to ensure election integrity since the 2020 election—a testament to the hard work of state, local, and civic groups this cycle.
Contrary to popular belief, bipartisan cooperation and responsible political rhetoric are not a political liability. We are all too aware of the discord in our national politics, and hope for a different future. In fact, our research shows that Americans long for a more united country. When asked in the days prior to Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration to picture their ideal America ten years from now, Americans of both parties chose “united” more than any other quality. Our desire for unity is shining through the distortions of a polarized political environment.
To this end, politicians should remember that Americans are united on the issue of California wildfire relief. We want to help California rebuild. And with this wildfire relief, everyone wins: Southern California residents, Governor Newsom, President Trump, and a public weary of division.
As Congress explores federal disaster relief, our elected officials should not let polarizing rhetoric obscure what the American people actually want—nor get in the way of building important trust in the institutions that matter most. Set aside controversy, conspiracy theories, and distrust. Now is the time for our political leaders to listen to the American people and ensure Californians get the support they need from all levels of government.
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