California Gov. Gavin Newsom was seemingly caught faking a call with President Joe Biden in an effort to get away from an angry Los Angeles resident amid the ongoing wildfires, Thursday.
In a viral moment captured by Sky News, an unidentified woman – referred to only by the news network as “an angry LA resident” – could be seen approaching Newsom and shouting, “Governor, you got a second? Governor! I live here, governor! That was my daughter’s school, governor!”
“I’m literally talking to the president right now,” replied Newsom, pointing to his phone. “To specifically answer the question of what we can do for you and your daughter.”
As it turned out, Newsom was not “literally talking to the president right now,” and quickly changed his story after the woman asked to listen in on the call.
After the woman asked, “Can I hear it? Can I hear your call? Because I don’t believe it,” Newsom paused before responding, “I’m sorry, there’s literally– I’ve tried five times, that’s why I’m walking around to make the call.”
“Why is the president not taking your call?” the woman questioned, to which Newsom claimed, “Because it’s not going through. That’s why I have to get cell service.”
“So let’s get it. Let’s get it. I want to be here when you call the president,” the woman shot back.
Newsom proceeded to apologize to the woman, saying, “I appreciate it. I’m doing it right now and it’s to immediately get reimbursements, individual assistance, and to help you. I’m devastated for you. I’m so sorry, especially for your daughter.”
As the woman continued to yell at Newsom and ask why there was no water in the fire hydrants when firefighters needed it the most, he replied, “I’m gonna make the call to address everything I can right now, including making sure people are safe.”
The governor then got into his car and left.
The woman, whose name was later revealed to be Rachel Darvish, joined Fox News host Jesse Watters on his show Jesse Watters Primetime following the confrontation.
