LOS ANGELES (KTLA) – Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office responded to President Donald Trump’s claims that California was “without a token of defense” as firefighters continue to contain the deadly wildfires that broke out in Los Angeles County earlier this month.
“Our country can no longer deliver basic services in times of emergency, as recently shown by the wonderful people of North Carolina been treated so badly and other states who are still suffering from a hurricane that took place many months ago, or more recently, Los Angeles, where we are watching fires still tragically burned from weeks ago without even a token of defense, “Trump said during his second inaugural address.
Newsom’s press office addressed the claim on X, posting four photos of firefighters fighting the blaze from the ground and air.
"Without a token of defense" pic.twitter.com/N3Wb44MOXd
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) January 20, 2025
Trump, who has criticized Newsom’s handling of the wildfires, is slated to visit Los Angeles during his first week in office.
“I’m going to go out there on Friday to see it and to get it moving back,” Trump said at a rally ahead of Monday’s inauguration. “We’re going to get some of the best builders in the world. We’ll get it moving back.”
In a statement, Newsom said he was glad Trump had accepted his invitation to see the devastation first-hand and help the impacted residents.
The Palisades and Eaton wildfires have killed 27 people and damaged over 17,000 structures. As of Monday morning, the Palisades Fire is 59% contained, and the Eaton Fire is 87% contained, according to Cal Fire.
