Advertisement

Rock Legend Neil Young Scorches ‘So-Called President’ Trump Over Wildfires

Rock legend Neil Young, who lost his home in the wildfires sweeping through the Malibu area, lashed out at President Donald Trump for his denial of climate science.

Last week, Trump blamed the fire damage on “gross mismanagement” of forests in California and threatened to cut off federal funding. In response, Young slammed “our so-called president,” saying the real reason wasn’t mismanagement, but climate change.

“The extreme weather events and our extended drought is part of it,” Young wrote on his website, adding:

“Our temperatures are higher than ever here in our hottest summer on record. That has not helped. DT seems to be the Denier. (I’m holding back and not using the word liar just because it rhymes with denier). It really is time for a reckoning with this unfit leader. Maybe our new Congress can help. I sure hope so.”

Some 400 square miles have burned in California, leaving 150,000 people displaced. In the northern part of the state, 29 people were killed in the Camp fire, which also destroyed more than 6,700 buildings. In the south, fires killed two people and destroyed at least 180 structures in the Malibu area.

“Firefighters have never seen anything like this in their lives,” Young wrote. “I have heard that said countless times in the past two days, and I have lost my home before to a California fire, now another.”

He added:

“Imagine a leader who defies science, saying these solutions shouldn’t be part of his decision-making on our behalf. Imagine a leader who cares more for his own, convenient opinion than he does for the people he leads. Imagine an unfit leader. Now imagine a fit one.”

Young purchased the Malibu home of then-girlfriend, and current wife, Daryl Hannah in 2016, Variety reported. It’s not clear if that’s the home he was referring to in his new message.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer has long ties to the area, living and recording there in the 1970s. According to Vulture, the 1978 Agoura-Malibu firestorm burned 25,000 acres and destroyed hundreds of homes, including Young’s.

Also on HuffPost

Marines respond to southern California wildfires

U.S. Marines and fire crew on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., respond to wildfires ablaze in southern California May 14, 2014. The Tomahawk fire, in the northeast section of Camp Pendleton has burned more than 6,000 acres forcing evacuations of housing areas on base and various schools both on and off base. Aircraft from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the Camp Pendleton Fire Department worked in coordination with CALFIRE to prevent fires from spreading off base. Marine officials are coordinating with CALFIRE for the further use of military aircraft pending the wildfire status within San Diego County

Marines respond to southern California wildfires

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 (HMH-462), Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) collects water in a bambi bucket during aerial firefighting efforts, May 14, 2014. 3rd MAW aircraft partnered with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to conduct aerial firefighting against several wildfires ablaze in San Diego County. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Carl Atherton 3d MAW COMCAM/RELEASED)

Marines respond to southern California wildfires

U.S. Marines and fire crew on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., respond to wildfires ablaze in southern California May 14, 2014. The Tomahawk fire, in the northeast section of Camp Pendleton has burned more than 6,000 acres forcing evacuations of housing areas on base and various schools both on and off base. Aircraft from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the Camp Pendleton Fire Department worked in coordination with CALFIRE to prevent fires from spreading off base. Marine officials are coordinating with CALFIRE for the further use of military aircraft pending the wildfire status within San Diego County.  Photo by Cpl. Orrin Farmer

HMH-462 battles wildfires aboard MCB Camp Pendleton

Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462 detach a water bucket, also known as a Bambi Bucket, after battling wildfires aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 14. The bucket is able to hold up to 900 gallons of water at a time.  Photo by Cpl. Owen Kimbrel
Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462 detach a water bucket, also known as a Bambi Bucket, after battling wildfires aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 14. The bucket is able to hold up to 900 gallons of water at a time. Photo by Cpl. Owen Kimbrel

Families evacuated from base housing due to California wildfires

Families are evacuated from base housing on Marine Corps Camp Pendleton, Calif., due to California wildfires May 14, 2014. The Tomahawk fire, in the northeast section of Camp Pendleton has burned more than 6,000 acres forcing evacuations of housing areas on base and various schools both on and off base. Aircraft from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the Camp Pendleton Fire Department worked in coordination with CALFIRE to prevent fires from spreading off base. Marine officials are coordinating with CALFIRE for the further use of military aircraft pending the wildfire status within San Diego County.  Photo by Cpl. Sarah Wolff

Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.