During his inaugural address on Monday, President Trump criticized what he called a government unable to protect its own citizens in times of crisis, including the people of Southern California affected by the still-burning Palisades and Eaton fires, which have destroyed thousands. of structures and killed at least 27 people.
Trump used the example of Southern Californians and “the wonderful people of North Carolina, who were treated so poorly” after Hurricane Helene this fall.
In Los Angeles, he said, “We are seeing fires still burning tragically for weeks without even a hint of defense.
“They are devastating homes and communities, affecting even some of the richest and most powerful individuals in our country, some of whom are sitting here right now,” he said. “They no longer have a home. It's interesting.
“We cannot allow this to happen. Everyone can't do anything about it. “That's going to change.”
Together, the fires burned nearly 38,000 acres, destroyed more than 15,000 structures and killed at least 27 people.
“We now have a government that cannot manage even a simple crisis at home while simultaneously stumbling upon a continuing catalog of catastrophic events abroad,” Trump said.
Trump said over the weekend that he planned to visit Southern California on Friday to see areas devastated by the fires. He has repeatedly criticized Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state's Democratic leaders for their handling of the crisis.
Newsom's press office responded to the inauguration comments on , fighting the flames.
“As our nation watches the peaceful transfer of power, we remember the enduring principles that underpin our democracy: finding common ground and fighting for shared goals,” Newsom wrote on his personal X account.
Newsom wrote that his administration “stands ready to work with the Trump-Vance administration” to serve Californians.
“In the face of one of the worst natural disasters in American history, this moment underscores the critical need for partnership, a shared commitment to facts, and mutual respect—values that enable civil discourse, effective governance, and meaningful action.” ”Newsom wrote. “I look forward to President Trump's visit to Los Angeles and his mobilization of the full weight of the federal government to help our fellow Americans recover and rebuild.”
In an interview on Bloomberg TV, Democratic Rep. Brad Sherman, who represents much of the area burned in the Palisades fire, called Trump's comments about the firefighting effort “a punch in the gut.”
“I was with so many firefighters,” Sherman said. “This is not a symbolic defense. This is an incredible defense. These guys are brave. They are working 12 and 24 hour shifts. And for the president to take advantage of his inauguration to say that it is not even a symbolic defense is simply a stab in the stomach of each of the people on whom we depend.
“It's just outrageous.”
Sherman said he believes the president's visit on Friday “will be important” and that if Trump advocates for federal disaster funding, it will be approved by Congress.
