President Donald Trump criticized the estimated 18-month timeline for rebuilding California’s fire-affected regions and pressed for faster resident returns|Public record
Governor Gavin Newsom met with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on Friday at the LA airport tarmac.
Trump was visiting the region to examine the damage caused by the devastating wildfires. While talking to reporters, he said they are “looking to get something completed, and the way you get it completed is to work together.”
At a roundtable with officials, including LA Mayor Karen Bass, Trump emphasized expediting federal permits and reducing bureaucratic delays.
He criticized the estimated 18-month timeline for rebuilding and pressed for faster resident returns.
Trump pledged federal aid to California at the end of the meeting, stating, “I’m going to give you more than any president ever would have ever given to you.”
Despite the public goodwill, tensions remain. Trump had earlier suggested California adopt voter ID laws and revise water policies to qualify for disaster aid. He, however, did not bring them up during the visit.