• Donald Trump criticizes California’s leaders for failing to control raging wildfires.
• California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, invites Trump to assess the damage in person.
• The wildfires have reportedly killed at least 16 people and displaced over 150,000 residents.
• Trump threatens potential cuts to federal wildfire aid amid rising tensions.
• Local officials face scrutiny over their preparedness and response strategies.

US President-elect Donald Trump has escalated his criticism of California's leadership regarding their response to the extensive wildfires currently affecting areas around Los Angeles. In a series of posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, "The fires are still raging in LA. The incompetent pols [politicians] have no idea how to put them out. This is one of the worst catastrophes in the history of our Country." He further questioned the capabilities of local officials, asking, "What's wrong with them?" reported Le Monde.

In response to Trump's remarks, California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has been a frequent target of Trump's barbs, appeared on NBC's Meet the Press and pushed back against the criticisms. He suggested that responding to Trump's comments would only extend the conversation unnecessarily, humorously noting, "Every elected official that he disagrees with is very familiar with them." Nevertheless, Newsom extended an olive branch by inviting Trump to visit California to witness the disaster firsthand, asserting the need for a united front and stating, "We want to do it in the spirit of an open hand, not a closed fist" (SCMP).

During the ongoing crisis, the wildfires have already claimed at least 16 lives, displaced more than 150,000 residents, and destroyed over 12,000 structures. State officials have been under intense scrutiny, as many residents and critics demand accountability for the state's **emergency preparedness**. Trump described the destruction by stating, "Thousands of magnificent houses are gone, and many more will soon be lost. There is death all over the place."

Newsom invoked the serious implications of political posturing, recalling Trump's threats regarding potential cuts to federal wildfire aid previously proposed during disputes over water management. He emphasized the need to focus on humanitarian efforts during this crisis, stating, "In the spirit of this great country, we must not politicize human tragedy or spread disinformation." He expressed concerns over the potential impacts of Trump's policies on California's disaster relief efforts, mentioning that he had not yet received a response to his invitation for Trump to visit (Le Monde).

As the fires continue to rage, threatening more lives and property, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass remarked on the ongoing challenges faced by firefighters, noting that while air operations have resumed, the conditions remain precarious, particularly with the unpredictable winds enhancing the risk of further outbreaks of fire.