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LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. – President Donald Trump and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass engaged in a brief dispute over Southern California's wildfire response and recovery efforts.
On Friday, January 24, Trump arrived at LAX to assess the damage from the 23,000-acre Palisades Fire. Afterward, a roundtable discussion took place with city and county leaders to discuss the region's rebuilding efforts. During the meeting, Trump and Bass clashed over when evacuated residents would be able to return to their homes.
“We are going to do everything we can to slash regulations, expedite everything, so people can begin the process right away,” Bass stated.
As Bass spoke, Trump interrupted, mentioning that some displaced residents had been told they might have to wait up to 18 months before they could begin rebuilding.
“We know they’re saying they won’t be allowed to start for 18 months,” Trump said.
“That will not be the case,” Bass responded. “First, we need to ensure the hazardous waste is removed and the area is cleared, but we’re expediting that process. If someone’s house was destroyed and they’re rebuilding essentially the same structure—maybe with some improvements—there shouldn't be much of a process. We absolutely need your help, and we need federal assistance."
Trump pressed Bass on the timeline for when residents could begin returning to their properties, insisting that even a week of delay was too long for the evacuees.
“They want to start now. They want to start removing things, but they’re not allowed to do it,” Trump said.
Ultimately, the two did not reach a consensus on when Pacific Palisades residents could begin rebuilding. Trump did, however, announce that he would waive all federal permits required to start the rebuilding process.
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