Los Angeles, January 25, 2025 – The Europe Today: U.S. President Donald Trump visited California on Friday to assess the devastating aftermath of wildfires that have ravaged communities in the Los Angeles area earlier this month. The visit marked the end of Trump’s first week back in office and unfolded against the backdrop of his ongoing criticism of the state’s emergency response led by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.
Governor Newsom, a frequent critic of the president, greeted Trump upon his arrival at Los Angeles International Airport. Emerging from Air Force One, Trump had just concluded a trip to North Carolina, where he surveyed damage from Hurricane Helene. Despite their political differences, Newsom welcomed the president, emphasizing the necessity of federal support for the wildfire recovery efforts.
“We’re going to need your support, we’re going to need your help,” Newsom said during their brief exchange on the tarmac. “You were there for us during Covid, I don’t forget that, and I have all the expectations that we’ll be able to work together to get this speedy recovery.”
Trump acknowledged the destruction during a tour of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, one of the hardest-hit areas. “The aftermath looks like you got hit by a bomb,” Trump remarked. He assured local leaders, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, that the federal government would stand firmly behind California’s recovery efforts.
During a roundtable discussion with local officials, Trump announced plans to sign an executive order aimed at redirecting water from northern California to the south, a move he said would bolster firefighting capabilities and long-term recovery. The discussion also touched on clean-up challenges, with Mayor Bass urging patience as hazardous materials such as toxic ash, asbestos, and lead are cleared from affected areas.
“What’s hazardous waste? I mean, you’re going to have to define that,” Trump countered, stressing the importance of allowing residents to return to their properties promptly to begin rebuilding.
Meanwhile, new wildfires erupted across southern California, further straining emergency services. Blazes named Laguna, Sepulveda, Gibbel, Gilman, and Border 2 flared up on Thursday in Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura, and Riverside counties. Firefighters have made significant progress in containing the Hughes Fire, which has burned 10,000 acres in Los Angeles County and prompted mass evacuations.
Over the past weeks, wildfires have scorched more than 37,000 acres, destroyed over 10,000 homes and businesses, and claimed at least 28 lives. Governor Newsom announced a $2.5 billion state aid package on Thursday to address the fire damage, emphasizing the need for a swift and comprehensive recovery plan.
President Trump, joined by First Lady Melania Trump, toured the fire-ravaged areas by helicopter and on foot, meeting with displaced homeowners. “Unfortunately, it’s a very sad period, but what makes you feel good is meeting so many of the homeowners who want to rebuild,” he said. “The federal government is standing behind you 100%.”
As California battles persistent dry and windy weather conditions that continue to fuel the wildfires, the collaboration between state and federal governments will play a critical role in the recovery efforts for the affected communities.