President Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom met in Los Angeles on Friday to assess the damage caused by the recent wildfires. This meeting marked their first in-person interaction since the inauguration earlier in the week, and comes after a period of public disagreement over the handling of the wildfire crisis.
Upon Trump's arrival at LAX, Newsom greeted him on the tarmac. The two exchanged a handshake, with Trump seemingly tugging Newsom's arm, a gesture he's been observed using with other world leaders. Newsom expressed gratitude for the President's visit, emphasizing the need for federal support and assistance in the recovery efforts. He also acknowledged Trump's past support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The President reciprocated, appreciating Newsom's welcome and expressing optimism about the progress of the recovery. He described the fire-ravaged areas as looking like they had been "hit by a bomb" and pledged to work towards permanent solutions to prevent similar disasters in the future. This commitment seemed to address previous criticisms Trump had directed at California's leadership regarding wildfire preparedness and management, including social media posts where he called for Newsom's resignation.
The visit allowed both leaders to survey the destruction firsthand and discuss the necessary steps for recovery. While their past exchanges have been strained, the meeting presented an opportunity for collaboration in addressing the urgent needs of the affected communities.
