Will Donald Trump Visit LA Amid Raging Fire or After Inauguration?

Key Takeaways:

• Uncertainty Surrounding Trump’s Visit: President-elect Trump has not confirmed if he will visit Los Angeles amid the fires before his inauguration.
• Severity of the LA Fires: The Palisades fire has burned over 23,000 acres with only 14% containment.
• Trump’s Perspective on the Fires: He describes the fires as “different than 2018” and mentions putting his “developer cap on.”
• California Officials Involved: Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass are actively discussing a potential visit with Trump’s team.
• Statements by Vice President-elect Vance: JD Vance acknowledges Trump’s desire to visit but offers no specific details.

Uncertainty Surrounding Trump’s Visit to Fire-Ravaged Los Angeles

President-elect Donald Trump has criticized California’s leaders while discussing the devastating Los Angeles fires during a live phone interview with Newsmax’s Rob Schmitt. The interview raised questions about whether Trump will visit the affected areas before his January 20 inauguration, but he provided no clear answer.

Trump’s Perspective on the Fires

When asked if he would tour the fire damage alongside California Governor Gavin Newsom, as he did in 2018, Trump diverted from the subject. He described the current fires as “different than 2018,” although caused by “the exact same factors,” pointing to issues with underbrush management.

“This is different than 2018,” Trump remarked. “We’re going to do this with Los Angeles. You know I’m already putting my developer cap on.”

Trump expressed concern over the devastation, stating:

“I just saw some very guarded pictures of it and it’s far worse than you even see on television. It’s greater than what getting hit by a nuclear weapon could have caused, with miles and miles of houses just burned to a crisp.”

He added that he had “never seen anything like it before,” emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the disaster.

California Officials Hopeful for a Visit

Reports indicate that Governor Gavin Newsom has extended an invitation to Trump to visit Los Angeles amid the deadly fires. According to NBC News, two sources familiar with the matter revealed that Trump’s team is discussing a potential visit to assess the heavy damage and destruction caused since the fires sparked on January 7.

However, Trump’s transition spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, declined to disclose information regarding the trip, leaving it unclear whether Trump will travel before or after his inauguration.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass confirmed her involvement in discussions about the potential visit. She expressed a positive outlook, stating that she has been communicating with members of Trump’s team.

Statements by Vice President-elect JD Vance

Vice President-elect JD Vance mentioned on “Fox News Sunday” that he knows Trump “wants to visit California.” Vance did not provide further details about the travel plans, contributing to the uncertainty surrounding the President-elect’s intentions.

The Severity of the Los Angeles Fires

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reports that multiple fires continue to burn in Los Angeles. The Palisades fire alone has consumed more than 23,000 acres and is only 14% contained, highlighting the critical need for effective response and leadership.

Looking Ahead

As the fires continue to ravage Los Angeles, the question remains whether President-elect Trump will visit the disaster-stricken area before taking office. State officials and residents alike await his decision, hoping for support and attention to aid in recovery efforts.