Pause the Resistance: Newsom, Democrats Welcome Trump Amid Crisis
A Glimpse of Cooperation Amidst the Flames
Despite delivering blistering criticism of California leaders from afar, President Trump shared a warm embrace with Gov. Gavin Newsom and appeared to pledge his support to Los Angeles as he stepped onto state soil Friday for the first time in his second term.
A New Era of Cooperation?
The president said he appreciated Newsom — whom he often publicly derides as “Newscum” — greeting him on the tarmac and promised to help “fix” damages in the fire-ravaged state.
A Pledge of Support
“They’re going to need a lot of federal help. Unless you don’t need any, which would be OK,” Trump said shortly after exiting the plane, turning to Newsom with a slight smile. “We’re going to need a lot of federal help,” Newsom assured the president, patting him on the shoulder of his navy suit jacket before Trump pledged to “take care of things.”
Billions in Federal Aid Needed
At issue is far more than personal feelings: California will require billions in federal aid to rebuild, and local and state entities are banking on large-scale reimbursements for their spending.
A Chance for Cooperation
Newsom was among a collection of prominent California Democrats who welcomed Trump on Friday in Los Angeles. With wildfires raging across the county, working peacefully with the president might boost their political standing.
Political Tension Still Lingers
But the president’s voyage into deep blue California was still tinged with political tension. The comments to Newsom on the tarmac came hours after Trump sang a very different tune, telling reporters in North Carolina earlier in the day that aid to the state would require a number of conditions, including the adoption of voter identification laws.
Trump’s Claims Debunked
Local water systems were pushed to their limits during the firestorm, and a large reservoir in Pacific Palisades was out of commission, drawing state and local scrutiny. But experts have debunked Trump’s claims about a broader lack of water in Southern California.
A Nuanced Approach
Newsom was not invited to a freewheeling wildfire briefing at a fire station that the president held with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and a host of Democrats and Republicans in Congress. The governor, who built his national profile opposing the Republican president during his first term, has taken a more nuanced approach to Trump in recent months.
Bass’s Diplomatic Approach
Bass has employed a more careful and conciliatory tone. At previous fire briefings, the mayor studiously avoided taking the bait on any questions about possible tensions with Trump, instead maintaining that she was “not worried” about the incoming president having any animosity toward the state.
Los Angeles’s Future
Los Angeles is scheduled to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the Super Bowl in 2027, and the Summer Olympics in 2028. Bass, who was seated in a prominent position next to First Lady Melania Trump during the fire station briefing, thanked Trump for arriving in the city so soon after his inauguration and countered his claim that the city would slow-walk rebuilding efforts.
Conclusion
As the flames continue to rage across California, it remains to be seen whether the president and the governor can put aside their differences and work together to rebuild the state. One thing is certain, however: the stakes are high, and the need for federal aid is pressing.
FAQs
Q: What is the current situation in California regarding wildfires?
A: Wildfires are raging across the state, with millions of acres burned and thousands of structures destroyed.
Q: What is the estimated cost of rebuilding in California?
A: The cost of rebuilding is estimated to be in the billions of dollars.
Q: What is the current relationship between President Trump and Gov. Newsom?
A: The two leaders have a history of public disagreements, but have recently shown signs of cooperation in the face of the crisis.
Q: What is the role of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in the rebuilding efforts?
A: Bass is working closely with the White House and other stakeholders to ensure that federal aid flows into the city and that the city is prepared for upcoming events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Summer Olympics.
