(Reuters) – President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, has announced his intention to visit the areas affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles following his inauguration next week. The wildfires, which have claimed the lives of at least 27 people and destroyed over 10,000 structures in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, have prompted Trump to plan a visit to the region.
“I will be going, probably, at the end of the week,” stated Trump, who is set to be inaugurated as the 45th President on Monday. In an interview with NBC, he explained his decision to delay the visit, stating, “I was going to go…yesterday, but I thought it would be better if I went as president. It’s a little bit more appropriate, I suspect.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom extended an invitation to Trump last week to visit the affected areas, emphasizing the importance of not politicizing the tragedy or spreading misinformation. Amid the crisis, tensions escalated as Trump criticized Newsom, a Democrat, accusing him of policies that contributed to water shortages hindering firefighting efforts. Newsom refuted these allegations as baseless.
Furthermore, Trump targeted Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, citing incompetence, and criticized President Joe Biden for purportedly leaving insufficient funds in the Federal Emergency Management Agency budget. The wildfires, which ignited on Jan. 7, rapidly spread due to dry conditions and fierce Santa Ana winds, prompting authorities to advise most evacuees to stay away from their homes for at least another week.
The estimated damage from the wildfires varies between $20 billion to $45 billion, leading to a surge in rents and leaving displaced individuals uncertain about insurance settlements, thereby leaving them in a state of limbo.
The wildfires in Los Angeles have showcased the urgent need for assistance and support for those affected, emphasizing the importance of swift and effective response measures to mitigate the impact of such disasters on communities.
(Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
