President-elect Donald Trump intensified his criticism of California’s wildfire management on Sunday, calling the state’s handling of the crisis “incompetent” and accusing local politicians of failing to control the devastating fires near Los Angeles. Trump, via his Truth Social platform, described the ongoing wildfires as one of the worst catastrophes in U.S. history, lamenting, “They just can’t put out the fires. What’s wrong with them?”
The remarks come as the state grapples with wildfires that have killed at least 16 people, displaced 150,000 residents, and destroyed over 12,000 structures. Despite the tireless efforts of firefighters, the Palisades Fire continues to advance toward the densely populated San Fernando Valley and the Getty Center art museum, with no immediate relief in sight.
In response to Trump’s comments, California Governor Gavin Newsom, a frequent target of the president-elect’s criticism, pushed back while maintaining a measured tone. Appearing on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Newsom acknowledged Trump’s harsh rhetoric but extended an olive branch, inviting the president-elect to visit California and witness the devastation firsthand. “We want to do it in the spirit of an open hand, not a closed fist,” Newsom said, emphasizing the importance of unity in times of crisis.
The invitation came after Trump reignited his longstanding feud with Newsom, once again calling him “Newscum” and reminding the governor of past threats to cut federal wildfire aid. Newsom, however, remained diplomatic, urging Trump to visit and express gratitude to the first responders on the ground. “I invite you to come to California again — to meet with the Americans affected by these fires, see the devastation firsthand, and join me and others in thanking the heroic firefighters,” he wrote.
As winds continue to fuel the fires, residents in affected areas are facing a range of challenges, from destroyed homes to limited access due to security checkpoints and curfews. Authorities have also reported incidents of looting, prompting the deployment of National Guard troops and increased police presence. While some residents struggle to re-enter evacuation zones to check on their homes, frustrations continue to rise over logistical issues, including dry fire hydrants and long delays.
With more than 12,000 structures destroyed, the state is bracing for the long-term impact of the fires on housing availability and rental markets. Emergency responders remain on high alert, as conditions are expected to worsen with ongoing critical fire weather in the coming days.
As California continues to battle these catastrophic wildfires, the political rhetoric between Trump and Newsom underscores the deep divisions in response to the crisis, even as both sides call for greater unity in addressing the devastation.
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