Donald Trump will visit Los Angeles next week to see devastation of wildfires

Lia Russell, The Sacramento Bee on Jan 19, 2025

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Donald Trump said he will visit Los Angeles next week after he and Gov. Gavin Newsom sparred for days over California’s response to the wildfires in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

Trump first announced his plans to visit the Golden State during a rally Sunday in Washington, D.C., a day before he is due to be sworn in as president.

“I also want to send our love to everyone affected by the terrible wildfires raging in California. We’re praying for you all. We love you all,” Trump told supporters. “We’re going to be there very soon. I’m going to go out there on Friday to see it and to get it moving back. We’re going to get some of the best builders in the world and rebuild and get it moving back....Together we will rebuild Los Angeles, bigger, more beautiful than ever before.”

Newsom invited Trump earlier this month to meet with first responders and survey the areas destroyed by the fires, which have claimed 25 lives and destroyed or damaged over 14,000 structures. The two have sparred for weeks via social media and in interviews.

Newsom accused Trump and his allies of spreading misinformation about the source of the fires, and Trump in turn accused Newsom and local officials of mismanaging the wildfire response. Some Congressional Republicans have also suggested withholding or delaying federal disaster aid to California unless certain conditions are met.

Newsom spokesperson Izzy Gardon confirmed the trip, but it was unclear if the governor and Trump will meet.

“The governor hopes the president-elect meets directly with the Americans affected by these firestorms, sees the devastation firsthand, and joins the governor and others in thanking the heroic firefighters and first responders who are putting their lives on the line,” Gardon said via email.

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