Photo: Getty images
Donald Trump, the US president-elect, spoke harshly about California’s leadership on Sunday amid the devastating fires that have engulfed Los Angeles, The New York Times reports.
“Fires are raging in Los Angeles. The incompetent politicians have no idea how to put them out,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “This is one of the biggest disasters in our country’s history. Death is everywhere. What’s their problem?” he said.
The scale of destruction and overloaded infrastructure
The fires, which have already destroyed more than 12,000 buildings, have claimed the lives of at least 16 people, according to the California Fire Department. The intensity and speed of the fire’s spread have put local rescue services to the test.
One of the largest blazes, the Pacific Palisades Fire, is heading towards the Getty Center, home to priceless collections. The fire is also spreading north into the densely populated San Fernando Valley.
Political tensions and Gavin Newsom’s response
Trump took advantage of the situation to sharply criticise California’s Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, accusing him of helplessness and insufficient preparation for natural disasters. In response, Newsom invited Trump to visit Los Angeles to see the scale of the tragedy for himself.
Despite the political disputes, local residents are facing huge losses, both in terms of human and material resources. Rescue services continue to fight the fire heroically, but the situation remains critical.
