JUST IN: President Trump and LA mayor Karen Bass spar on live TV, Trump tells her to stop taking so long.
The spat we’ve all been waiting for.
Trump: “I’m exercising my emergency powers. You have to exercise them also. You can do everything within 24 hours.”
Bass: “And if… pic.twitter.com/PCdcjS431S
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 25, 2025
In a tense exchange during a wildfire response meeting, President Donald Trump and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass sparred over the speed and management of cleanup efforts following devastating wildfires in California. The discussion, captured on video, showcased contrasting approaches to addressing the crisis and highlighted growing frustrations among displaced residents.
Trump Pushes for Immediate Action
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Trump urged Bass to expedite the process, suggesting that residents should be allowed to clear debris themselves to accelerate recovery efforts. “The people are willing to clean out their own debris. It doesn’t cost a lot,” Trump said, emphasizing that hiring contractors could delay the process by months. “By the time you hire contractors, it’s going to be two years,” he added. Trump argued that emergency powers should be utilized to cut through bureaucratic delays.
“You have emergency powers just like I do,” Trump said. “You can do everything within 24 hours,” Bass responded by pointing out that she had already signed an emergency declaration but reiterated that safety concerns and logistical hurdles were causing delays.
Residents Demand Answers
Frustrated residents joined the conversation, pressing officials on when they could return to their homes. One resident exclaimed, “But we can’t even get in here without Trump.” Another asked, “When?” Bass estimated that access would be granted within a week, prompting Trump to interject, “That’s a long time. A week. I’ll be honest, to me, everyone standing in front of their house, they want to go to work, and they’re not allowed to do it.”
A Broader Political Rift
The exchange underscored broader political tensions between Trump and California officials. Trump, who has frequently criticized California’s wildfire management, accused both Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom of “gross incompetence” in their handling of the disaster. He even floated the idea of overhauling or eliminating FEMA, the federal agency responsible for disaster response, claiming inefficiencies in its operations.
Newsom, a Democrat who has had a contentious relationship with the Republican president, acknowledged the need for federal support despite the friction. “California will need your help,” Newsom told Trump during a separate meeting.
Residents Caught in the Middle
As political leaders clashed, residents remained caught in the crossfire, voicing their anger over delays and a lack of clear communication. Bass emphasized that safety was her top priority, but Trump’s insistence on immediate action resonated with residents eager to rebuild their lives.
The debate over wildfire response highlights the urgency of addressing natural disasters and exposes deep divides in leadership styles and priorities. For the residents of Los Angeles, the stakes couldn’t be higher as they await decisive action to help them recover from the devastation.
Featured image via screengrab
