As wildfires ravage Los Angeles, claiming at least ten lives and leaving vast portions of the city in chaos, MAGA Republicans, including President-elect Donald Trump, are seizing the opportunity to shift blame onto California Governor Gavin Newsom. Their rhetoric, aimed at stoking partisan divides, has drawn sharp criticism from both experts and concerned citizens.
Blaming Newsom for a Natural Disaster
Trump and his allies have repeatedly targeted Newsom, accusing him of mismanagement and failure to prevent the catastrophic fires. This comes as firefighters, overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster, work tirelessly to combat the infernos and protect communities. Critics argue that blaming Newsom is not only factually baseless but also distracts from the urgent need for federal and state collaboration to address the crisis.
Laura Ingraham’s Controversial Comments
Fox News host Laura Ingraham added fuel to the fire with a divisive statement on X (formerly Twitter), where she linked California’s “priorities” and diversity to the challenges firefighters face in battling the blazes. “This sums up perfectly what’s wrong with California priorities,” she posted, implying that inclusivity and equity efforts are hindering disaster response.
This sums up perfectly what’s wrong with California priorities. https://t.co/dIiChDvto9
— Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) January 10, 2025
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Her comment has sparked outrage, with many labeling them as a cynical attempt to weaponize the tragedy for political gain. Among her critics is her brother, Curtis Ingraham, who has publicly condemned her statements.
Curtis Ingraham Pushes Back
Curtis Ingraham took to X on Friday to call out his sister’s remarks, describing them as both “disgusting” and reflective of her lack of empathy. “The fact that my sister is using the LA fire disaster to attack my great state of California, simply to push her own twisted propaganda, is disgusting and telling of her complete lack of empathy,” he wrote, tagging both Laura and Fox News in his post.
The fact that my sister is using the LA fire disaster to attack my great state of California, simply to push her own twisted propaganda, is disgusting and telling of her complete lack of empathy. @IngrahamAngle @FoxNews https://t.co/A0f4orjomm
— Curtis Ingraham (@CurtisIngraham1) January 10, 2025
This is far from the first time Curtis Ingraham has criticized his sister’s views. Over the years, he has been vocal about his disagreements with her positions on issues ranging from climate change to Trump’s policies. His comments add a personal dimension to the broader backlash against conservative efforts to politicize the wildfire crisis.
Critics Respond to Trump’s Wildfire Rhetoric
Meanwhile, experts and historians have widely panned Trump’s response to the LA wildfires. Critics argue that his tendency to frame disasters as “us versus them” moments demonstrates an inability to handle crises with the necessary leadership and compassion. Rather than offering meaningful solutions or support, Trump has leaned into divisive rhetoric that exacerbates tensions.
A Call for Unity and Action
As California grapples with the devastating impact of the wildfires, many are calling for an end to partisan attacks and a renewed focus on collaboration. Addressing the root causes of such disasters—including climate change and inadequate forest management—requires unity and a commitment to evidence-based solutions.
In the face of tragedy, the politicization of suffering serves no one. Los Angeles people deserve better than seeing their pain turned into a talking point for partisan agendas.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
