California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) expressed readiness to collaborate with President Donald Trump as he prepares to visit Los Angeles this week to address the state's devastating wildfires.
Newsom emphasized the need for unity and cooperation in addressing the crisis, which has claimed dozens of lives and destroyed entire communities.
"As our nation observes the peaceful transfer of power, we are reminded of the enduring principles that underpin our democracy: finding common ground and striving toward shared goals," Newsom said in a statement on X Monday.
"In the face of one of the worst natural disasters in America's history, this moment underscores the critical need for partnership, a shared commitment to facts, and mutual respect – values that enable civil discourse, effective governance, and meaningful action," Newsom added.
Trump announced plans to visit Los Angeles during a rally ahead of his inauguration. Speaking to supporters Sunday, Trump pledged to assist Californians in their recovery efforts.
"I'm going to go out there on Friday to see it and to get it moving back," Trump said. "We're going to get some of the best builders in the world. We'll get it moving back."
The president has been critical of Newsom's handling of the wildfire crisis, accusing the state's leadership of exacerbating the disaster.
According to The Hill, Newsom wrote to Trump last week, calling for unity in the face of the wildfires and inviting the incoming administration to support recovery efforts.
"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," Newsom said. "Where our shared principles are aligned, my administration stands ready to work with the Trump-Vance administration to deliver solutions and serve the nearly 40 million Californians we jointly represent."
The wildfires have reignited political tensions over disaster funding, with many Republicans calling for conditions on new federal aid. They argue that California's policies have worsened the crisis. Democrats, however, accuse their Republican counterparts of using the disaster for political leverage, pointing to the long-standing tradition of passing disaster relief without strings.
Swaths of Los Angeles remain in ruins as emergency crews work tirelessly to contain the fires. The wildfires have devastated large portions of Southern California and continue to pose challenges for state and local officials.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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