Trump Plans First Presidential Visit to Survey Los Angeles Wildfire Destruction
The president-elect is set to visit California next week after his inauguration to assess damage from devastating wildfires that have claimed 27 lives and destroyed thousands of structures.
- President-elect Donald Trump confirmed plans to visit Los Angeles next week, marking his first official trip after being sworn in on Monday.
- The wildfires, which began on January 7, have killed at least 27 people, displaced thousands, and destroyed over 12,000 structures across Southern California, including Pacific Palisades and Altadena.
- Trump has criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and local officials, blaming their policies for exacerbating the crisis, while Newsom dismissed the accusations as baseless disinformation.
- Governor Newsom invited Trump to witness the devastation and meet with survivors, though the two have not spoken directly since the fires began.
- Federal disaster aid, already approved by President Biden, could potentially face conditions under the incoming administration, as Trump has indicated plans to reassess California's water management policies.