Destruction “Unbelievable”
President Donald Trump visited Southern California today to assess the devastation left by wildfires in the Pacific Palisades. Touring the charred remains of the area, the president described the destruction as “unbelievable.” Central Valley representatives joined the president for a briefing, underscoring the importance of federal support for the region.
Governor Gavin Newsom greeted President Trump upon his arrival at LAX. Their meeting on the tarmac, while cordial, came against a backdrop of past tensions over wildfire policies. President Trump remarked that the affected areas looked like “a bomb went off” and pledged immediate federal action.
“We are waiving all federal permits so rebuilding can begin now,” Trump announced during the press conference. However, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the need to address hazardous materials before reconstruction. “It’s not safe to start rebuilding for at least 18 months,” she warned.
Despite these cautions, President Trump expressed urgency. “Cleanup starts tomorrow—let’s get this done,” he insisted.
Water Management: A Central Valley Priority
The president also addressed California’s water management crisis, announcing an executive order to expedite water flow from Northern to Southern California. “We’re opening the pumps and valves in the north to get water flowing down here as quickly as possible,” Trump declared. Central Valley Representative Vince Fong supported the plan, calling it essential for wildfire-prone areas.
“Reliable water access and storage are critical for prevention and recovery efforts,” said Fong.
However, critics raised concerns over the president’s recent threats to condition disaster aid on changes to state policies. “It’s disturbing to tie disaster relief to political agendas,” one official commented. “When disaster strikes, relief should be unconditional.”
A Brief But Impactful Visit
After touring wildfire zones in North Carolina earlier today, President Trump’s trip to California lasted just over three hours. Before departing, he promised to return and continue working with local leaders on recovery efforts.