Trump heads to California to view wildfire devastation in first presidential trip of second term
The president has had harsh words for state and local leaders in California amid the deadly blazes. He recently suggested that federal aid could come with strings.
President Donald Trump is set to visit California on Friday and view the devastation from wildfires that have ripped through the Los Angeles area and continue to wreak havoc.
It will be Trump’s first presidential trip since his return to office, and it will be to a state with Democratic leaders he has repeatedly blamed for persistent blazes, arguing that wildlife protections have impeded access to water.
Speaking to reporters before departing the White House on Friday, Trump said the fires “could have been put out,” but “they still haven’t for whatever reason.”
“It would be fine if they turned the water on,” Trump said.
Previewing the visit earlier this week, he promised, “We’re going to take care of Los Angeles.” Trump's tour of the Palisades will be bookended by stops in North Carolina, where he will meet with families still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, and Nevada.
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