President Donald Trump and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass sparred during a wildfire recovery roundtable in Los Angeles on Friday. The discussion, centered on rebuilding efforts following devastating wildfires that caused an estimated $250 billion in damage, highlighted tensions between federal and local approaches.
During the meeting, Trump appointed Ric Grenell, his former ambassador to Germany, to oversee federal wildfire recovery efforts.
Trump urged Mayor Bass to use emergency powers to expedite residents’ access to their properties so they could begin rebuilding immediately. “You have to allow the people to go on their site and start the process tonight,” said Trump, 78, during the meeting, which included local officials and members of Congress. Frustrated residents expressed similar concerns, with one woman exclaiming, “We can’t even see our homes right now!”
Initially, Mayor Bass assured attendees that property access would be granted Friday night but later adjusted the timeline, extending it to a week. This prompted criticism from Trump, who deemed the delay unnecessary. “A week is actually a long time, the way I see it,” he said, stressing the need for urgency.
This is the most extraordinary exchange. Real-time smackdown from President Trump on Mayor Bass. Pure common sense vs stupid gov bureaucracy! pic.twitter.com/RLVTvWRSxQ
— Justin Hart (@justin_hart) January 25, 2025
The president pledged federal support to speed up rebuilding efforts, including waiving federal permit requirements, noted The New York Post. He also called on California officials to simplify state regulations and override restrictions from the California Coastal Commission. To aid recovery, Trump directed the release of Northern California’s water resources, saying, “We’re going to essentially waive all federal permits. We want to get that water pouring down here as quickly as possible.”
Trump blamed local policies for contributing to wildfire damage, citing insufficient brush clearing and water mismanagement as key issues. He claimed these shortcomings left fire hydrants dry and prompted insurers to pull out of the region. Addressing Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), who raised concerns about attaching federal aid to voting law changes, Trump countered, “People that think like you made it so impossible.”
Environmental regulations were another target of Trump’s critique. He argued that these policies hinder disaster recovery, singling out the protection of the delta smelt, a small fish, as an example of misplaced priorities. “The people of California have to be protected,” he said, earning applause from Republican attendees.
Trump also made a subtle point to California Governor Gavin Newsom, who greeted the new president at Los Angeles International Airport but did not join the roundtable discussion.
Gavin Newsom waiting for President Donald Trump is a great lesson in spotting nervousness:
Fiddling with his ring
Adjusting his collar
Hands in and out of his pockets
Constantly shiftingBody language says it all.
— BTOwl | Body Language (@Bowtied_Owl) January 25, 2025
This visit, occurring just days into Trump’s presidency, underscored his ongoing critique of Democratic policies, which he claimed have worsened wildfire challenges. Trump ended his remarks with a call for swift action, declaring, “There can be no golden age without the Golden State.”
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Bass & Newsome all show & No GO
ALL for symbolisim vs substance
Day 1 failures
RECALL Both