In his inaugural address on Monday, President Trump criticized governments that fail to protect their citizens in times of crisis. That includes those in Southern California affected by the still-burning Palisades and Eaton fires, which destroyed thousands of structures and buildings. Killed at least 27 people.
President Trump cited the people of Southern California and the “great people of North Carolina who were treated horribly” after Hurricane Helen this fall.
In Los Angeles, “we have been seeing devastating fires continue for weeks without any protection.
“They’re rampaging through homes and communities, and they’re affecting some of the wealthiest and most powerful people in our country, some of whom are sitting here right now,” he said. Ta. “They don’t have a home anymore, which is funny.
“We can’t let this happen. There’s nothing anyone can do about it. That’s going to change.”
Combined, these fires have burned approximately 38,000 acres, destroyed more than 15,000 buildings, and killed at least 27 people.
“Our government is currently unable to manage even a simple crisis at home, while simultaneously experiencing a series of catastrophic events abroad,” Trump said.
President Trump said over the weekend that he planned to visit Southern California on Friday to see fire-ravaged areas. He has repeatedly criticized Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state’s Democratic leadership for their handling of the crisis.
Mr. Newsom’s news organization responded to his inaugural address on .
“As we watch our nation peacefully transfer power, we are reminded of the timeless principles that underpin our democracy: finding common ground and working towards common goals,” Newsom said. I wrote this on my X account.
Newsom wrote that his administration is “ready to work with the Trump-Vance Administration” to provide services to Californians.
“As we face one of the worst natural disasters in American history, partnership, a shared commitment to the facts, and mutual respect are critical values that enable civil debate, effective governance, and meaningful action. Newsom wrote: “We look forward to President Trump’s visit to Los Angeles to mobilize the full power of the federal government to help our fellow citizens recover and rebuild.”
Democratic Rep. Brad Sherman, who represents much of the area burned by the Palisades fire, called President Trump’s comments about firefighting “guts” in an interview on Bloomberg TV.
“I was with a lot of firefighters,” Sherman said. “This isn’t just a token defense. This is an incredible defense. These guys are brave. They’re working 12-hour and 24-hour shifts. And we know that the president is taking advantage of the inauguration. And to say it’s not even a token defense just cuts to the guts of all the people we depend on.
“That’s completely outrageous.”
Sherman said he believes the president’s visit on Friday “will be significant” and that if President Trump insists on federal disaster funding, it will be passed by Congress.
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