© Ted Soqui / © Ken Blevins / USA TODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
(Los Angeles, CA) – The fires burning in Southern California have scorched through tens of thousands of acres and have claimed the lives of 16 people as of Sunday. Now, California officials are being reprimanded for their response by the incoming commander-in-chief. Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom attempted to show some unity during the disaster and invited President-elect Donald Trump to tour the Los Angeles area that was affected. In a letter posted online, Newsom urged Trump to get a firsthand look at the devastation.
.@realDonaldTrump, as you prepare to assume the presidency once more, I invite you to come to California.
The hundreds of thousands of Americans – displaced from their homes and fearful for the future – deserve to see us all working together in their best interests, not… pic.twitter.com/R3C7cGqdBh
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 10, 2025
Meanwhile, it does not seem likely that Trump will accept the invitation -or at least not from Newsom. Trump has gone after the California Governor in the past, giving him the nickname “Gavin New-scum” and criticizing his policies. In a post on Truth Social, Trump called the leaders out in California “incompetent” and said they have “no idea” how to put the fires out. Newsom responded to the attacks saying that he is concerned that Trump may withhold federal aid over political differences. Incoming Vice President JD Vance said that Trump has no plans to block aid and does plan on visiting the hard-hit areas.
