President Donald Trump, during his first trip since regaining the presidency, pledged federal assistance to California as it battles devastating wildfires. Speaking in Los Angeles after meeting Governor Gavin Newsom, Trump said, “We’re going to get it completed. They’re going to need a lot of federal help.” The fires, which have destroyed homes and caused water shortages, continue to threaten the region.
Despite the collaboration, Trump has criticized California’s disaster response, accusing officials of “gross incompetence.” Earlier in North Carolina, while touring Hurricane Helene-damaged areas, Trump reiterated plans to overhaul or eliminate FEMA, citing dissatisfaction with its relief efforts. He suggested states handle disaster funds directly, saying, “FEMA has turned out to be a disaster.”
Experts doubt Trump can unilaterally dismantle FEMA, noting Congressional approval is likely required. FEMA, created by an executive order under President Jimmy Carter, coordinates disaster recovery efforts and employs over 20,000 personnel nationwide.
Trump’s stance aligns with Project 2025, a conservative agenda proposing FEMA’s relocation to another federal department and shifting disaster costs to states. Critics, including Democratic Representative Deborah Ross of North Carolina, warn eliminating FEMA would harm disaster recovery efforts.
The week capped off a series of swift moves by Trump, addressing campaign promises on immigration, workforce reductions, environmental policies, and pardons for January 6 Capitol attack supporters. Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stressed the unprecedented scale of the California fires, with investigations underway into water shortages that hindered early firefighting efforts.
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