USA Fire disaster: Trump pledges support for California

SDA

25.1.2025 - 01:50

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump listen to California Governor Gavin Newsom after arriving on Air Force One at Los Angeles International Airport. Photo: Mark Schiefelbein/AP/dpa
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump listen to California Governor Gavin Newsom after arriving on Air Force One at Los Angeles International Airport. Photo: Mark Schiefelbein/AP/dpa
Keystone

After his fierce accusations and insults against the governor of California, US President Donald Trump has nevertheless assured him of his support in the face of the fire disaster in the Los Angeles area.

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"It's like you've been hit by a bomb", Trump said to Democrat Gavin Newsom in a surprisingly conciliatory manner on his arrival. "We want to fix it", said the President. That would only work if we worked together.

Newsom said to Trump: "We're going to need your support, we're going to need your help." Trump had been there for California during the pandemic, he said, and he would not forget that. The two shook hands several times. Following the meeting, Trump and his wife Melania took a look at the destruction in Pacific Palisades.

Trump repeatedly railed against Newsom and also blamed him for the extent of the fires in the state. Shortly after his inauguration this week, he suggested that he would attach conditions to the aid for California.