President Donald Trump pushed back on Democratic Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass during a press conference Friday evening, defending the idea that residents of Pacific Palisades shouldn’t have to wait for government aid to repair their homes.
First lady Melania Trump and the president traveled to Southern California’s Pacific Palisades on Friday afternoon to visit one of the areas in Los Angeles County destroyed by wildfires that started on January 7th. Residents expressed frustration at a number of homeowners being unable to move forward with their properties.
“The number one thing we’re going to be doing right away, and you see this happening, is cleaning up the debris. We’re worried about this weekend because of the chance of rain.” But we’re going to move as soon as possible. But we want you to be safe. We hope you get back to your home soon. ” Bass said.
Trump jumped in.
“But people are willing to clean up their debris. It doesn’t cost that much,” Trump said.
Bass could be heard replying, “We can,” before Trump continued, urging Democratic mayors to allow residents to fix their properties themselves, as they had been requesting. . (Related: GOP Blasts Dems to create time bomb of wildfire chaos and policy failures in California)
“You should let them do it, because by the time you hire a contractor, it’s going to be two years. People are willing to get a dumpster and do it themselves and clean it. There aren’t that many . It’s all being incinerated,” Trump said. “And you know, if you do, it’s just going to take a long time [it]. ”
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“You can do some of that. But a lot of these people, I know what that guy over there is talking about. I know my people. You go for it tonight, throw the stuff away, and your site will look perfect within 24 hours. That’s what he wants to do,” Trump added.
Thousands of residents were forced to flee their homes after a major wildfire broke out, with some finding their homes were not burnt out until days later. Trump defended one of the residents, saying he had to wait months before he could fix his property.
“He doesn’t want to wait seven months until the city hires a demolition contract that charges him $25,000 to do his lot. I think you have to — you’re like me I have emergency powers. You must use them, too,” Trump said.
Bass could be heard trying to state that she had “exercised” her powers, but Trump said she had “very strong emergency powers and within 24 hours I can do it all.”
Bass faced massive backlash for being overseas in Africa for the inauguration of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama when the fire broke out in Los Angeles County. Upon her return, Bass was confronted by Sky News reporter David Blevins.
The Democratic mayor has faced criticism for a lack of resources during the crisis, especially after cutting the Los Angeles Fire Department’s budget by $17.6 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, according to Fox News.
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