Donald Trump has finally addressed the raging wildfires devastating Los Angeles after staying silent when Governor Gavin Newsom invited him to visit the disaster zone.
The destruction of LA
The fires, fueled by relentless winds, have already claimed 16 lives and displaced nearly 200,000 people. Experts predict these strong winds will continue through next week, making the fires even more dangerous.
As of now, 40,000 acres have been burned, an area the size of a small country. Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to express his frustration. He said, “The fires are still raging in L.A. The incompetent politicians have no idea how to stop them. Thousands of beautiful homes are gone, and many more will soon be lost. There’s death everywhere. This is one of the worst disasters in our country’s history. What’s wrong with them?”
Trump and Newsom clash
Trump’s statement comes after a public clash between him and Newsom. On Friday, Newsom urged Trump to visit California to see the devastation firsthand. “We must work together, not spread disinformation from the sidelines,” Newsom wrote. “The people of California deserve our support to rebuild.”
But less than a day later, Newsom called Trump’s comments “delusional” on a podcast, criticizing his repeated claims about California withholding water from firefighters to protect an endangered fish. Newsom called it “ignorant” and part of Trump’s ongoing narrative within right-wing circles.
California leadership under fire
Meanwhile, Newsom and other California leaders have faced criticism for not adequately funding emergency services. Fire Chief Kirstin Crowley blasted city officials for failing to support firefighters during the crisis. “We’re screaming for proper funding to help our firefighters,” Crowley said, pointing out “huge gaps” in the fire department’s ability to fight the flames.
Celebrities join the outcry
Celebrities have also joined the outcry. Khloe Kardashian backed Crowley’s call for more funding, slamming Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for cutting $17.5 million from the fire department’s budget this year. Kardashian called Bass “a joke” after hearing Crowley’s remarks about the lack of resources for the LA Fire Department (LAFD).
Bass has also faced criticism for attending a presidential inauguration in Ghana while fires were raging back home. Meteorologists had warned of an impending firestorm in LA, but the mayor’s absence has raised eyebrows.
Spencer Pratt files lawsuit
As if the devastation wasn’t enough, former reality TV star Spencer Pratt is now suing California for negligence after his home in the Pacific Palisades was destroyed by the fire. “This is unacceptable,” Pratt said. “The state failed us.”
Fire danger continues to escalate
Fire danger remains high. A red flag warning has been issued for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, extending into Wednesday night. Strong winds of up to 70 mph are expected to continue, creating more perilous conditions. “We’re concerned about how the winds will pick up tonight and then again Monday through Wednesday,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Rose Schoenfield.
The combination of high winds, dry conditions, and the ongoing drought has created a tinderbox effect. Entire neighborhoods are being destroyed by the flames. Firefighters are struggling to contain the infernos that have already wreaked havoc across the region.
The situation looks dire, and there’s no sign of relief in sight. As the fires rage on, California leaders and officials are under increasing pressure to step up and provide the resources needed to fight the fires and protect residents. But with the winds expected to worsen, the worst may be yet to come.
