Florida Governor Ron DeSantis A reporter on Thursday called for California leaders not to be blamed for devastating wildfires, noting that is in stark contrast to how Republican leaders are often treated in the wake of disasters.
DeSantis and all the other Republican governors had just wrapped up a filing Dinner with President-elect Donald Trump At Mar-a-Lago on Thursday evening when he had a heated exchange with a reporter.
The reporter appeared to ask another governor if it was appropriate for Trump to criticize California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom as deadly wildfires rage across the state.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called for balance in how some media outlets cover Republican and Democratic leaders when natural disasters strike in their states, citing a difference in where blame is placed. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
This question prompted DeSantis to step forward and ask, “Is it appropriate for people in your industry to try to create division and try to create narratives anytime these things happen?”
“Now, you're not interested in doing that because Newsom has a D. If Newsom was a Republican, you guys would try… You would nail him to the wall for what they're doing over there.” Continue.
Tanner Charles Schaaf shared photos of the house he escaped from with his friend during the California wildfires. (Tanner Charles Schaff)
DESANTIS stops rivalry with NEWSOM, offers aid to the governor of the beleaguered blue state
The Florida governor, who managed several disasters during his term, said he was often criticized for things that were beyond his control and was blamed for incidents before the facts emerged, referring to… 2021 Surfside condominium collapse.
“I think your record of politicizing these things is pretty bad,” DeSantis said.
He said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass would be treated much differently during her trip to Ghana, while the fires would be too dangerous if she were a Republican.
“She should have been there preparing and doing that, and yet I don't see a lot of heat directed (toward her),” DeSantis said. “I would like to see some balance in how you do that. You can criticize the president-elect, but you also have to hold these other people accountable, and I haven't seen that.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass toured the downtown business district in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood as the Palisades Fire continued to burn on January 8. (Eric Thayer/Getty Images)
Bass returned to Los Angeles on Wednesday, and she didn't have much to say to her city residents outside of press conferences. While waiting to get off the plane, she said He gave the cold shoulder to Sky News correspondent David Blevins, who was asking her if she had anything to say about the devastating fires.
“No apology to them? Do you think you should have visited Ghana while the matter was unfolding in your country?” Blevins asked as Bass continued to look at the floor.
“Madam Mayor, let me ask you again, do you have anything to say to the citizens today when you return?” He said.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass's 2021 tweet criticizing Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, for leaving his state during a deadly freeze came back to haunt her this week when she was in Ghana as wildfires raged in Los Angeles County. Although there was a very serious warning before she left. (AP Photo/Nick Corey/X)
As multiple wildfires rage in Los Angeles County, Californians have criticized both Newsom and Bass for their previous decisions related to fire prevention efforts, including Bass's decision to cut LAFD budget of $17 million.
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The wildfires have claimed the lives of at least 10 people since they broke out on Tuesday, and have burned more than 35,800 acres and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses.
California wildfires have killed at least 10 people and destroyed more than 10,000 structures. (Tanner Charles Schaff)
Firefighters are still struggling to contain the fire Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire — the two largest companies in the group — were 6% and 0% contained, respectively, Thursday evening, according to CAL FIRE data.
