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Trump Tours Disaster Areas, Blasts FEMA 'Failings' and Newsom's Wildfire Management

Jan 24, 2025, 02:53 PM

President Donald Trump embarked on his first trip since being sworn in for a second term, visiting storm-ravaged areas in North Carolina and wildfire-damaged regions in California. In North Carolina, Trump surveyed the damage from Hurricane Helene, which struck four months ago, and sharply criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for its handling of recovery efforts. 'FEMA has really let the country down,' Trump said, adding, 'We’re going to take over and we’re going to do a good job.' He suggested that disaster aid should bypass FEMA and go directly through his administration, proposing that states should have more control over disaster relief. The president accused Democrats of neglecting North Carolina, saying the state had been 'treated very badly.' 'FEMA is getting in the way of everything,' Trump asserted. Following his North Carolina visit, Trump headed to California to assess the damage from recent wildfires near Los Angeles. He criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom's management of the wildfires, alleging that mismanagement of the state's water resources had exacerbated the situation. 'It could've been put out if they let the water flow, but they didn't let the water flow,' Trump claimed. Governor Newsom, who had not been formally invited to meet with the president, stated he would greet Trump on the tarmac upon his arrival in Los Angeles. Responding to Trump's comments, Newsom said, 'There is not a spigot that can be turned to solve all the water problems... that don't exist in California.' Additionally, Senator Adam Schiff declined an invitation from the White House to join Trump's tour of the wildfire damage, citing scheduled Senate votes. 'Senator Schiff greatly appreciates the president’s visit to see the devastation of these wildfires firsthand and regrets that he’s unable to join due to Senate votes,' a spokesperson said. Trump's visit to California comes amid ongoing tensions over federal disaster aid and the state's management of natural resources. The trip is seen as a pivotal moment in determining how the president will work with Democratic governors during his term.