Trump inherited the aftereffects of two major natural disasters — Hurricane Helene and the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires. According to state data, approximately 12,000 North Carolinians are still homeless due to the hurricane, while the Los Angeles fires have become among the most destructive wildfires in U.S. history.
“We’re gonna take care of Los Angeles, I’m going there. I’m going to North Carolina, which has been abandoned by the Democrats, and I’m going to North Carolina very importantly first. I’ll be there on Friday, and then I’m going from there to Los Angeles,” Trump announced.
He added that he would travel from Los Angeles to Nevada.
Though it fell from the headlines due to the inauguration, the Los Angeles wildfires have continued at a reduced pace. According to Cal Fire, the flames have consumed over 40,600 acres, killed at least 28 people, and destroyed roughly 15,800 structures as of Tuesday. About 41,000 people remain under evacuation order.
Firefighters have made some progress combatting the flames, with the largest fires, Eaton and Palisades, being contained by 89% and 63%, respectively.
Trump has been heavily critical of the response to the deadly wildfires in California, placing blame on Democrats such as Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA). The president also heavily criticized the federal response to the hurricane in western North Carolina.
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Three new fires started on Tuesday in the San Diego area, though they were smaller than the Los Angeles-area fires.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris visited firefighters in her first action after leaving her position.