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In a Saturday press release, Governor Jared Polis announced an extension of state support for recovery efforts tied to the devastating Marshall Fire. While this move is undoubtedly welcome news for the Coloradans still grappling with the fire’s aftermath, it raises the obvious question:
Is this a political maneuver?
The Marshall Fire, one of the most destructive in Colorado’s history, razed over 1,000 homes and upended the lives of countless residents. Recovery has been a long, challenging process, with many facing insurance hurdles, rebuilding delays, and bureaucratic frustrations. Extending state support is ostensibly the right decision — but it’s difficult to ignore the political undercurrents.
Consider the recent headlines surrounding California Governor Gavin Newsom, who was publicly humiliated by President Trump this week. The President reportedly left Newsom waiting for 10 minutes outside Air Force One before dismissing him. Newsom was not present at the tour or the press conference with state and local leaders.
Since Polis is courting federal projects, he might be trying to clean up his house to avoid the same fate.
"I don’t think we should give California anything until they let water flow down," the president said on Hannity, before adding, "I want to see two things in Los Angeles, voter ID, so that the people have a chance to vote, and I want to see the water be released and come down into Los Angeles and the state. Those are the two things," Trump said.
Polis isn’t ready for a conversation about voter ID. Colorado’s voter rolls are a well known disaster.
Trump’s treatment of Newsom highlighted how wildfire recovery — or failure to deliver on it — can be a significant political vulnerability. For Polis, who has been the subject of speculation regarding his 2028 ambitions, avoiding such embarrassment is a smart move.
To Polis’ credit, he has so far avoided the kind of public missteps that have plagued Newsom on this issue, but he’s caught the President’s attention on immigration and over regulation. Polis’ calculus may include compassion; but it’s likely much more it’s about optics.
For the Marshall Fire victims, this extending essential support is critical. Polis may be motivated by altruism, politics, or a mix of both, and he’s earned the scrutiny.
But for a governor with an eye on his legacy, in an era where corruption is rampant and well-intended funding often fails to reach its intended recipients (see: homelessness crisis), this is likely as much about avoiding missteps as it is about doing the right thing.
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