Devastating wildfires fueled by powerful winds have torn through Los Angeles for five days, leaving a trail of destruction with over 12,300 homes and buildings destroyed and at least 11 lives lost. This disaster has put LA Mayor Karen Bass under intense public scrutiny, raising questions about her leadership and budget priorities.
Previously, Bass enjoyed strong support from top Democrats. President Biden considered her for his vice presidential running mate in 2020, and former President Obama predicted she would be an "outstanding mayor." Biden's campaign saw her as a persuasive yet grounded figure, trusted by progressives but respected by Republicans, as reported by Politico.
While Kamala Harris ultimately became Biden's running mate, Obama continued to champion Bass, endorsing her mayoral run in 2022. However, the current wildfire crisis has cast a shadow over this prior acclaim.
Critics point to budget cuts to the Los Angeles Fire Department under Bass's leadership. Between the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 fiscal years, the fire department's budget was reduced by nearly $18 million, with an initial proposal for even deeper cuts of $23 million. This contrasts sharply with the city's $1.3 billion homeless budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, which significantly surpassed the LAFD's $837 million allocation.
Further fueling the controversy was Bass's trip to Ghana during the initial days of the wildfire. Returning on Wednesday, she faced tough questions from reporters about her absence and the budget cuts. She defended herself, stating that she took the fastest route back and maintained communication throughout her trip.
Public figures like filmmaker Justine Bateman have voiced the frustration of many residents. Bateman argued that city leaders must prioritize essential services like fire and police departments, emphasizing that failure to do so constitutes a dereliction of duty.
