US President-elect Donald Trump has blamed California’s leaders for their poor response to the devastating wildfires raging around Los Angeles, which have claimed the lives of at least 16 people and displaced over 150,000 others.
Trump’s criticism came as Governor Gavin Newsom urged him to visit the affected areas and witness the destruction firsthand.
The wildfires have destroyed more than 12,000 structures, including homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The Palisades Fire is continuing to spread despite firefighters’ efforts to contain it.
The fire has grown to 23,600 acres, with only 11% contained, according to official reports.
Trump’s comments on this through social media platform sparked a response from Governor Newsom, who invited the President-elect to visit California and see the devastation for himself. Newsom also emphasized the need to put aside politics and work together to address the crisis.
The investigation into the cause of the wildfires is ongoing, with the FBI, ATF, and local authorities working together to determine the origin of the blazes.
Meanwhile, residents affected by the fires are facing a new challenge: finding new homes in an already squeezed rental market.
As the situation continues to unfold, the California wildfires have left a trail of destruction and devastation in their wake, and it will take a concerted effort to rebuild and recover
