U.S. President Donald Trump visited California on Friday to express support for residents affected by devastating wildfires that have ravaged the state. Speaking at a fire station in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Trump emphasized the federal government’s commitment to assist California, stating, “We are standing behind California 100%.”
The Pacific Palisades area has been severely impacted by the recent fires, with many homes reduced to ashes. During his visit, Trump participated in a walking tour of the affected region and surveyed recovery efforts from a helicopter, noting the extensive damage. “I don’t think you can realize how rough it is, how devastating it is, until you see it,” he remarked.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Palisades Fire is currently about 77% contained, having burned nearly 9,500 hectares. Trump has previously criticized California’s water management policies, claiming they have worsened the wildfire situation. He stated, “I will take a look at a fire that could have been put out if they let the water flow, but they didn’t let the water flow.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has pushed back against Trump’s assertions, arguing that the state’s municipal water systems are not equipped to handle the extreme demands posed by such wildfires. Upon Trump’s arrival in Los Angeles, Newsom greeted him warmly, expressing optimism about their collaboration: “I have all the expectations we’re going to be able to work together.”
During his meeting with local leaders, Trump urged for a swift return of residents to their properties, challenging Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to expedite the cleanup process. “People are willing to get a dumpster and do it themselves and clean it up. There is not that much left; it is all incinerated,” he said. Bass responded by prioritizing safety but assured that residents would be able to return home within the week.
Trump also promised that federal permits for rebuilding would be issued quickly and encouraged local officials to do the same. Before his California visit, Trump had been in North Carolina, where he assessed recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), calling it a “big disappointment” and suggesting that he might consider eliminating the agency due to its bureaucratic nature.
While in California, Trump reiterated his frustrations with FEMA, stating, “It’s very bureaucratic. And it’s very slow.” He has previously indicated a desire to use federal disaster assistance as leverage in unrelated legislative negotiations, a move that has drawn criticism from some lawmakers.
Representative Young Kim, a Republican from Orange County, condemned the idea of politicizing disaster relief, calling it “unacceptable” and a “slap in the face” to wildfire victims and first responders.
Trump has also suggested that states should take more responsibility for disaster response, stating, “I’d rather see the states take care of their own problems. FEMA is getting in the way of everything.” Michael A. Coen Jr., a former chief of staff at FEMA during the Biden administration, countered Trump’s claims, arguing that the president is misinformed about the agency’s role and its efforts in disaster relief.
As Trump toured the region, firefighters continued to battle multiple blazes in the Los Angeles area. The Eaton Fire, the second-largest fire currently burning, is now 95% contained after consuming over 5,600 hectares. The Hughes Fire, which prompted evacuation orders for more than 50,000 residents, is 56% contained and has burned more than 4,200 hectares.
Health officials have issued advisories regarding smoke and ash, warning that they can pose health risks even to healthy individuals. Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County’s health officer, emphasized the dangers of smoke exposure.
The Laguna Fire in Ventura County, which initially led to evacuation orders for nearby universities, is now 70% contained after burning nearly 40 hectares. As firefighters continue their efforts, the U.S. Storm Prediction Center has warned of elevated fire weather conditions due to high winds, low humidity, and dry conditions.
However, there is hope for relief as the National Weather Service forecasts rain beginning Saturday, with expectations of up to a centimeter across much of the Los Angeles area. Localized thunderstorms could bring even more rain, raising concerns about potential mudslides in areas recently scorched by wildfires.
The wildfires that erupted in Southern California on January 7 have claimed at least 28 lives and destroyed an estimated 16,000 buildings. As emergency workers sift through the ashes, the death toll is expected to rise.
