‘Ridiculous blunder’: Trump wades into California’s water wars – and strikes some of his strongest supporters

Billions of gallons of irrigation water were wasted under Trump's orders in what now appears to be a political stunt

Under orders from Donald Trump, billions of gallons of irrigation water were laid to waste in California's thirsty agricultural hub this month, a move that left water experts shocked and local officials scrambling.

The water, stored in two reservoirs operated by the army corps of engineers, is a vital source for many farms and ranches in the state's sprawling and productive San Joaquin Valley during the driest times of the year. It will be especially important in the coming months as the region braces for another brutally hot summer with sparse supplies.