Trump’s Potential Visit to California: A Shift from Winning to Leading
President-elect Trump is considering a visit to California to witness wildfire devastation and show support for affected communities
Los Angeles, California, Donald Trump, Gavin Newsom, Wildfires, Emergency Response
Los Angeles: So, it looks like Kathryn Barger, a county supervisor, has invited Trump to check out the wildfire damage in California. Even Governor Newsom is on board, saying it’s all about being open and supportive.
Word is, Trump’s team is chatting about a possible trip to L.A. to see the destruction for himself. It’s a good sign, but nothing’s set in stone yet. Honestly, he should take that invite and head over soon after he’s in office.
Why? Well, he really needs to grasp the scale of what’s happening. Fires are still raging, and those Santa Ana winds are no joke.
A visit would let him show some compassion for families who’ve lost everything and give a nod to the brave firefighters battling the flames. It’s a chance for him to step away from his usual tough-guy image and show a little heart.
Now, I know it’s hard to believe he’ll change his ways, but these fires are something we’ve never seen before. The damage is massive and still ongoing.
Plus, he should really think about visiting because arguing with Newsom isn’t helping anyone. Sure, California leans Democratic, but the folks affected by these fires come from all political backgrounds.
California leaders are under fire for how they’ve handled things, and those questions aren’t going away. But throwing blame at Democrats for past mistakes won’t help those struggling now.
If he goes, he might see how misinformation online is messing with firefighting efforts. FEMA is working hard to combat false claims, and it’s taking up valuable time and resources.
There are even more reasons for Trump to consider heading west. This disaster is huge, and he should focus on deploying resources for recovery instead of his immigration plans.
After big disasters, immigrants, many undocumented, have been crucial in rebuilding. The areas hit in Southern California are massive, and they’ll need all the help they can get.
But with Trump back in the White House, we might see a clash between tough policies and the need for labor. After Hurricane Ian, finding workers was a struggle due to new laws.
His plans for mass deportations could please his supporters, but they might hurt recovery efforts and business growth outside California. Past deportations have often targeted jobs that others don’t want.
And let’s talk about size. Los Angeles County has over 9.5 million people, which is almost 3% of the U.S. population. That’s more than 41 states!
Only a handful of states have more residents than L.A. County. It’s a big deal.
Sure, there’s a bit of a show when politicians tour disaster areas. The photo ops are planned, and the routes are chosen carefully. But seeing the destruction firsthand hits differently. No briefing can prepare you for the smell of a burned community or the fear in a child’s eyes.
Newsom probably didn’t expect to face tough questions about water shortages, but those moments stick with you.
Barger, who invited Trump, is a popular moderate Republican. She represents areas hit hard by the fires, and her invitation is both heartfelt and politically savvy.
It’s easier for Trump to accept an invite from a fellow Republican than from a Democratic governor.
But honestly, this might be the best reason for him to visit California. Showing up in a state that will take years to recover is what true leadership is all about.
This article was originally published on MSNBC.com