Trump to visit CA on Friday – said Los Angeles was without a ‘token of defense’ against wildfires

CALIFORNIA – President Donald Trump said during his inauguration speech on January 20, that Los Angeles was without a ‘token of defense’ against wildfires.

According to Cal Fire, the Palisades and Eaton fires are at 59% and 87% containment after burning a combined 37,000 acres. CoreLogic preliminary residential and commercial loss estimates for the fires total between $35 to $45 billion.

Trump said our country can no longer deliver basic services in times of emergency, like in the case of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina where residents experienced catastrophic flooding.

“Or more recently, Los Angeles, where we are watching fires still tragically burn from weeks ago without even a token of defense. They’re raging through the houses and communities, even affecting some of the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in our country, some of whom are sitting here right now. They don’t have a home any longer. That’s interesting,” said Trump.

The president is visiting California on Friday to ‘see it and to get it moving back.’

Newsom looks forward to Trump’s visit

Governor Gavin Newsom’s office responded to Trump on X, formerly known as Twitter, with four photos of firefighters in the fire.

“Not a token of defense,” said Newson’s office.

“Without a token of defense” pic.twitter.com/N3Wb44MOXd
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) January 20, 2025

The governor also released a statement on the inaugural address stating that in the face of one of the worst natural disasters in America’s history, this moment underscores the critical need for partnership.

“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,” said Newsom.

Future of Los Angeles

In recent days, Trump spoke on the future of Los Angeles stating that ‘we will rebuild Los Angeles better, more beautiful than ever before.’

“And in 2028, the Los Angeles Olympics will be one of the great sporting events and patriotic celebrations in history. I was with Gianni, the head of the Olympics. And because of the wildfires, they’re going to do a special, special job. They’re going to really do something very special for the Olympics,” said Trump.