President Donald Trump visited Los Angeles on Friday to survey the destruction caused by this month’s devastating wildfires. Arriving at LAX with First Lady Melania Trump, Trump headed to Pacific Palisades, where fires left homes and businesses in ruins.
During his visit, Trump reignited his public disagreements with California Governor Gavin Newsom. Trump criticized California’s wildfire response and water management, claiming the state could have redirected water to fight the Palisades and Eaton fires. Newsom, along with water experts, dismissed this as misinformation, emphasizing that Southern California’s water system doesn’t operate on a simple “valve-turning” solution.
Before arriving in California, Trump stopped in North Carolina, where he proposed tying disaster aid to voter ID laws and water policy changes. This sparked further controversy as the President questioned FEMA’s role in supporting disaster-stricken states like California. Trump hinted at major changes to the federal agency, raising concerns over future relief efforts.
In a rare show of unity, Newsom greeted Trump at LAX, thanking him for witnessing the wildfire damage firsthand. Trump acknowledged the devastation, comparing it to a “bomb,” and emphasized the need for solutions. Both leaders expressed a commitment to rebuilding affected communities, despite their ongoing disagreements.
The President, accompanied by Newsom and the First Lady, toured the destruction by air via Marine One and continued ground inspections to meet with local firefighters and officials. Trump’s remarks during the trip reignited discussions about disaster management, FEMA’s role, and federal-state relations in tackling climate-related challenges.
This visit highlighted tensions between Trump and Newsom but also underscored the urgent need for effective collaboration to support wildfire recovery.
