President Donald Trump visited Los Angeles this Friday, following a heartfelt visit to tour the devastated parts of North Carolina hit by Hurricane Helene.
His purpose was to survey the damage caused by recent wildfires in the Pacific Palisades area and garner more insights about the disaster’s contributing issues. However, it also cemented that he will not neglect the blue area of southern California, but will act as the President for all Americans.
However, during the tour, he did robustly express concerns about the poor choices made by local Democratic politicians that created the conditions for the wildfire to become a regional inferno.
I watched the entire visit on X.com, courtesy of the new media. It is wonderful to be able to see important events like this without the progressive filter from the mainstream media. Here are some of my key takeaways.
President Trump arrived with First Lady, Melania Trump to be greeted by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Newsom did himself no favors with this tarmac photo-op.
At least the exchange between Trump and Newsom was polite and drama-free.
President Trump was greeted warmly by California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom as the commander in chief exited Air Force One upon arrival in Los Angeles Friday — making nice after Trump blasted his management of the crisis.Trump, 78, and Newsom, 57, talked briefly and animatedly after the president descended the steps of his jet — with the governor alternately pointing, making a fist and giving a thumbs up.The awkward greeting, in which both leaders also patted each other on the shoulder, concluded with Newsom giving first lady Melania Trump a peck on the cheek.
Next, Trump and his wife toured the smoldering ruins of Pacific Palisades. They had a chance to talk to several homeowners, who conveyed their concerns about rebuilding. Apparently, they told the President it would take 18 months to begin rebuilding their homes based on what they understood of the local permitting process.
One of the special moments of the day was a meeting with Battalion 47 firefighters. The responders all had the opportunity to shake Trump’s hand and get a photo with him.
I noticed he kept the firefighter helmet he was gifted close to him, and that he placed in a prominent spot during the ensuing meeting with the mayor and other officials.
During the ensuing roundtable with Bass and regional officials and political leaders, Trump mainly kept the focus on rebuilding the area and eliminating permitting requirements that would hamper recovery efforts.
“I don’t think you can realize how rough, how devastating it is until you see it,” Trump said of the wildfire damage. “The federal government is standing behind you, 100%.”Trump said that he is going to waive federal permits for rebuilding in the area. “I’m gonna be the president to help you fix it,” he said. “We’re going to waive all federal permits… Because a federal permit can take 10 years… we don’t want to take 10 days.”
But that is not to say Trump did not express his concerns about the many problems California political leadership as it relates to fire prevention, response, and recovery.
Trump had a few words to say about the state’s failure to listen to the warnings about wildfires that were issued by insurance companies. These companies were forced to leave the state because of the ridiculous rules imposed on them by Sacramento.
He scolded Bass for the delays in evacuees returning to their homes.
Trump also hammered Bass on permits, indicating there should be no barrier to swift reconstruction efforts.
There was clear disdain for the California Coastal Commission.
Breitbart’s Joel Pollack was given a bit of time to relay his experiences during the fire, which I believe is an important nod to the new media and an indication that the Trump team will promote alternative news sources.
Pollack mentioned a potential solution to address concerns about California politicians diverting federal recovery funds to vanity projects and virtue-signalling uselessness: A watchdog.
I suspect Trump already had that game planned in the form of Rik Grenell, former ambassador to Germany and likely California’s official babysitter.
Trump concluded the roundtable graciously, however, he made it clear that he had no time for #Resistance theater or eco-activist nonsense.
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