During his inaugural address on Monday, President Trump blasted what he called his failure to protect his own citizens in times of crisis — including the people of Southern California, who are still reeling from the Palisades and Eden fires, which have destroyed thousands of structures. At least 27 people were killed.
Trump used the examples of Southern Californians and “the wonderful people of North Carolina, who were treated so badly” after Hurricane Helen this fall.
In Los Angeles, he said, “we're watching the fire still burning tragically without even a token of self-defense from weeks ago.
“They're raging through homes and communities affecting some of the wealthiest and most powerful people in our country, some of whom are sitting here right now,” he said. “They no longer have a home. That's interesting.
“We cannot allow this. Not everyone can do anything about it. That is about to change.”
In total, the fire burned nearly 38,000 acres, destroyed more than 15,000 structures and killed at least 27 people.
“We now have a government that can't manage even a simple crisis at home, while stumbling on a continuing list of catastrophic events abroad,” Trump said.
Trump said over the weekend that he plans to visit areas devastated by the fires in Southern California on Friday. He repeatedly criticized Gov. Gavin Newsom and state Democratic leaders for their handling of the crisis.
Newsom's press office responded to the inauguration comments at X By posting Trump's words“Without a Token for Safety,” along with photos of firefighters — on foot and in a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection helicopter — battling the flames.
“As our nation observes the peaceful transfer of power, we are reminded of the enduring principles underlying our democracy: finding common ground and striving toward shared goals.” Newsom wrote In his personal X account.
Newsom wrote that his administration is “ready to work with the Trump-Vance administration” to serve Californians.
“In the face of one of the worst natural disasters in American history, this moment underscores the critical need for partnership, a shared commitment to truth and mutual respect — values that enable civil discourse, effective governance, and meaningful action,” Newsom wrote. “I look forward to President Trump's visit to Los Angeles and his mobilization of the full weight of the federal government to help our fellow Americans recover and rebuild.”
In an interview on Bloomberg Television, Rep. Brad Sherman, a Democrat who represents much of the area burned by the Palisades Fire, called Trump's comments about the firefighting effort “a punch in the gut.”
“I've been with a lot of firefighters,” Sherman said. “This is not a token defense. This is an incredible defense. These are brave people. They work 12- and 24-hour shifts. For the president to use his inauguration to say it's not even a token defense is a stab at the guts of every person we rely on.
“It's just outrageous.”
Sherman said the president's visit on Friday “will be critical” and that if Trump advocates for federal disaster funding, it will be passed by Congress.