On Friday, President Donald Trump made a visit to Los Angeles to witness firsthand the devastation caused by the Palisades Fire and offer his support for the recovery efforts. Accompanied by California Governor Gavin Newsom, the two briefly put aside their recent differences to discuss collaborative steps for rebuilding the affected areas.
Trump’s visit, which included an aerial tour of the fire’s impact via Marine One, allowed him to survey the destruction from above and meet with homeowners who had lost everything. It was his first in-person encounter with the damage, which he had previously only seen on television.
Upon arriving at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Trump was greeted by Newsom, and they both expressed their commitment to working together in the aftermath of January’s historic fires. The President acknowledged the overwhelming extent of the damage, describing it as “incineration” during a roundtable discussion with local and state officials.
“Seeing it in person really makes you understand the scale,” Trump remarked. “It’s more than just damage. It’s complete devastation.”
Also Read – Oscars 2025: Full List of Academy Awards Nominees Revealed
The roundtable, which took place at a Los Angeles Fire Department station in Pacific Palisades, included other local leaders such as Mayor Karen Bass, who thanked the President for his swift attention to the crisis. “We are moving as fast as we can to rebuild, and we need federal help to make it happen,” Bass said.
Despite the urgency, Bass clarified that while the community is committed to rebuilding, there are safety and logistical challenges that must be addressed first, including the removal of hazardous waste from the area, which could take weeks. Trump, however, appeared frustrated by these explanations. “What’s hazardous waste? People should start rebuilding tonight,” he said.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger also voiced her dedication to removing any bureaucratic obstacles. “We’re all hands on deck. If bureaucracy gets in the way, we’ll find a way around it,” she said, echoing Bass’s commitment to swift action.
Trump responded by promising to fast-track the rebuilding process. “We’re declaring this a national emergency, which allows me to grant immediate permits,” he said. He further suggested that local permitting processes align with this expedited timeline.
During his visit, Trump reiterated his longstanding criticism of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), calling it “incompetently run” and advocating for states to manage disaster relief directly with federal financial support. “FEMA is too expensive and inefficient,” Trump added. “Each state should be able to handle its own issues and receive funding from the federal government.”
Also Read – Southern California Fire Recovery: Amazon Donates $10 Million for Relief
Though Trump focused on the Palisades Fire during his visit, he did not tour the Eaton Fire site in the San Gabriel Valley, which also sustained significant damage. Both areas were heavily impacted by intense winds and high temperatures, leaving them nearly unrecognizable.
The President also took the opportunity to revisit his administration’s stance on forest management and water systems. He has repeatedly criticized California’s handling of its forests and water resources, particularly during fires, highlighting the challenges posed by dry hydrants and water shortages. In 2017, Trump signed an executive order aimed at directing more water to Southern California to support firefighting efforts.
Despite the tensions between Trump and California’s leadership, the President promised continued support for the state’s recovery. “We’re going to return when the rebuilding is underway,” Trump declared. “We’ll help as much as you need, and we’ll make it happen.”
In closing, Trump assured local officials that federal resources would be made available to aid in the recovery. “We’re opening the coffers to help you rebuild, and we’re going to celebrate this community’s recovery soon,” he said.
- LA City Council Moves to Ban Two Specific Slurs in Meetings - March 24, 2025
- Deadly Gunfight Erupts in Downtown LA, Leaving One Dead - March 24, 2025
- Heartbreaking News: Missing 16-Year-Old Found Dead in Los Angeles - March 24, 2025
