President-elect Donald Trump has announced that he will likely be traveling to Southern California next week, marking what could be his first official trip to the liberal stronghold since the devastating wildfires began. In a wide-ranging phone interview with NBC News, Trump revealed that he had originally planned to visit California earlier but decided it would be more appropriate to go as president.
The wildfires in and around Los Angeles have been wreaking havoc since January 7, claiming the lives of many and forcing tens of thousands to evacuate, according to the Associated Press. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who has faced criticism from Trump and Republicans for his handling of the fires, extended an invitation to the president-elect to visit the state last week.
Tensions between Trump and Newsom have been escalating in recent weeks, with the two leaders failing to communicate directly about the wildfires. However, Trump expressed confidence in his decision to move the inauguration ceremony indoors due to freezing temperatures and hinted at a forthcoming surge in mass deportations.
In addition to discussing his administration’s plans for the immediate future, Trump also addressed the ongoing TikTok situation, hinting at a potential 90-day extension before the app goes dark. He also pledged to support the cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas, promising to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the near future to ensure the agreement holds.
As Trump prepares for his trip to California, residents of the state are eager to see how the president-elect will respond to the ongoing crisis. With wildfires continuing to rage and communities struggling to recover, Trump’s visit could be a crucial moment in the recovery efforts for Southern California. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
