(Singapore, 16 Jan 2025) The wildfires in Los Angeles, California, continue to rage, resulting in at least 24 deaths so far. The Republican Party, led by incoming President Donald Trump, has seized upon the ongoing inferno to launch a fierce attack on Democratic leaders such as President Joe Biden and California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Trump has frequently taken to social media to condemn the disaster, claiming the fires highlight the “incompetence” of Biden and Newsom and asserting that he could manage the crisis better.
On January 8, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: “One of the most beautiful and magnificent places in America is being burned to the ground, reduced to ashes. Newsom should resign, this is all his fault!” He mocked, saying, “The fire trucks have no water, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has no money — this is what Biden left me with!”
Trump also pledged that if re-elected, he would reverse all of Biden’s climate policies, referring to them as the “Green New Scam.” He accused Biden of failing to allocate federal funds to FEMA’s disaster response efforts.
Trump’s close advisor, Elon Musk, further fueled the fire, blaming both the Biden administration and Newsom’s team for poor governance, particularly criticizing the emphasis on Diversity, Equality, and Inclusivity (DEI) policies favored by Democrats.
Musk alleged that investments in DEI programs by the Los Angeles Fire Department wasted funds that could have been used for disaster response, resulting in the loss of lives.
In response, Biden announced on January 9 that additional funding would be allocated to California. He emphasized that the disaster should not be politicized, stating that the wildfires are a stark reminder of the real and present impacts of climate change. However, Trump continues to blame Democratic policies for the disaster.
On the same day, Governor Newsom told CNN that Trump was attempting to politicize the wildfire crisis.
Experts generally agree that the wildfires were primarily caused by climate change, poor water management, and outdated infrastructure, with little connection to DEI policies.
Analysts suggest that addressing the Los Angeles wildfire crisis requires a multi-faceted approach, including tackling climate change, modernizing infrastructure, and ensuring sufficient emergency services and funding.
