Trump Tours LA Wildfire Damage, Promises Aid and Waived Permits/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump visited Los Angeles on Friday to witness the devastation caused by recent wildfires that destroyed over 10,000 structures and claimed nearly 30 lives. Touring the Pacific Palisades, Trump met with residents, law enforcement, and officials, promising swift federal aid, waived rebuilding permits, and a review of water management policies.
Trump’s Visit to LA Wildfire Damage: Quick Looks
- Devastation Overview: Wildfires in Los Angeles destroyed 10,000 structures and killed nearly 30 people.
- Federal Support Promised: Trump vowed to waive federal rebuilding permits and expedite recovery.
- Policy Criticism: Trump criticized California’s water and forest management practices.
- Meeting with Officials: Held roundtable discussions with LA Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom.
- Next Steps: Trump plans to sign executive orders to aid recovery efforts and open water valves.
Side Headlines:
- “Trump Waives Federal Permits for LA Rebuilding After Wildfire Devastation”
- “Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles: Trump Promises ‘100% Federal Support’”
- “Governor Newsom and Trump Face Off Over Wildfire Recovery Policies”
- “Trump Criticizes California’s Emergency and Water Management”
Trump Tours LA Wildfire Damage, Promises Aid and Waived Permits
Deep Look
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump toured the fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles on Friday, meeting with affected residents, local law enforcement, and officials to assess the damage caused by the devastating wildfires.
The fires, which destroyed more than 10,000 structures and claimed nearly 30 lives, have left communities across the region reeling. Trump’s visit, his first to California since his inauguration, highlighted his administration’s plans to expedite recovery efforts and address the policies he believes contributed to the disaster.
Firsthand Look at the Damage
Before landing, Trump took an aerial tour of the devastation, which revealed vast stretches of neighborhoods reduced to ashes. Upon arrival, he and the first lady walked through the Pacific Palisades, where they spoke with first responders and residents who had lost their homes.
“I don’t think you can realize how rough, how devastating it is until you see it,” Trump told reporters. “The federal government is standing behind you, 100%.”
Trump pledged to expedite rebuilding by waiving federal permits, which he said could otherwise take years. “We’re going to waive all federal permits. A federal permit can take 10 years—we don’t want to take 10 days,” he said.
Roundtable Discussions and Criticisms
Trump held a roundtable with LA Mayor Karen Bass, fire officials, and other leaders to discuss recovery efforts. Bass welcomed the president’s presence, saying, “This is an honor to have you here.”
However, the meeting also showcased policy disagreements. Trump criticized Bass for not fully utilizing her emergency powers to address the disaster, saying, “You have emergency powers just like I do … you have to exercise them also.”
Trump also blamed California’s forest and water management policies for exacerbating the fires. “We need to open up the water valves in this area,” he said, promising to sign an executive order to address the issue.
Meeting Governor Newsom
Trump’s visit included a meeting with California Governor Gavin Newsom, marking their first face-to-face encounter since Trump’s inauguration. The two shook hands on the tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport, with Newsom expressing gratitude for Trump’s presence.
“Thank you for being here. It means a great deal to all of us,” Newsom told Trump. “We’re going to need your support. We’re going to need your help.”
Despite their political differences, Trump described their meeting as “a good, positive talk.”
Federal Emergency Response
The visit comes as Trump doubles down on his criticism of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Earlier in the week, during a visit to hurricane-stricken North Carolina, Trump proposed overhauling FEMA and shifting more responsibility for disaster response to states.
In Los Angeles, however, Trump struck a more conciliatory tone, emphasizing federal support for rebuilding efforts and pledging aid to affected communities.
Next Steps
Trump’s promises include:
- Waived Permits: Expediting federal permits for rebuilding efforts in fire-damaged areas.
- Executive Orders: Addressing water and forest management to prevent future disasters.
- Federal Funding: Ensuring robust financial support for recovery.
As recovery efforts begin, Trump’s visit underscored the challenges California faces in rebuilding communities devastated by one of the costliest wildfires in U.S. history.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.