Donald Trump, who was sworn in as US president on Monday, has said he will be visiting the fire-ravaged areas at the end of the week.
That trip could include an awkward encounter with California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has been the target of Trump’s barbs over his handling of the disaster.
Moments after being sworn in as the 47th president, Trump again side-swiped California’s Democratic leadership.
“We are watching fires still tragically burn from weeks ago without even a token of defense,” he said.
“We can’t let this happen. Everyone is unable to do anything about it. That’s going to change,” he added, musing it was “interesting” that some wealthy people had lost their homes.
Newsom did not directly address the gibe, but offered an open hand to the newly installed president.
“This moment underscores the critical need for partnership, a shared commitment to facts, and mutual respect — values that enable civil discourse, effective governance, and meaningful action,” he wrote on social media.
“I look forward to President Trump’s visit to Los Angeles and his mobilization of the full weight of the federal government to help our fellow Americans recover and rebuild.”
While the immediate cause of the fires is not yet known, scientists say humanity’s behavior is altering weather patterns, making them more volatile, which can increase the destructiveness of any blaze.
Southern California has had no significant rain for around eight months, even though it is well into what is usually the rainy season.
Officials have cautioned that if rain does materialize, it could create dangerous debris flows in the disaster zone, and spark mudflows and hill collapses.
© 2025 AFP
