California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) said he looks forward to President Trump visiting Los Angeles and stands “ready to work” with his administration on issues on which their values align.
“As our nation observes the peaceful transfer of power, we are reminded of the enduring principles that underpin our democracy: finding common ground and striving toward shared goals,” Newsom said in a statement Monday.
“In the face of one of the worst natural disasters in America’s history, this moment underscores the critical need for partnership, a shared commitment to facts, and mutual respect — values that enable civil discourse, effective governance, and meaningful action,” he continued.
Newsom said as California faces the ongoing wildfire disasters, he hopes to use the moment to work together with the incoming administration to help fellow Americans rebuild.
“I look forward to President Trump’s visit to Los Angeles and his mobilization of the full weight of the federal government to help our fellow Americans recover and rebuild,” Newsom said.
“Where our shared principles are aligned, my administration stands ready to work with the Trump-Vance administration to deliver solutions and serve the nearly 40 million Californians we jointly represent.”
Trump has criticized Newsom for his handling of the wildfires and the two engaged in a public back-and-forth over state and federal emergency responses to the natural disaster.
Last week, Newsom wrote to Trump to invite him to visit his state and urge him not to “politicize human tragedy or spread disinformation from the sidelines.”
At a rally ahead of his inauguration, Trump said he would visit Los Angeles this week.
“I’m going to go out there on Friday to see it and to get it moving back,” Trump said Sunday. “We’re going to get some of the best builders in the world. We’ll get it moving back.”
Swaths of Los Angeles have been ravaged by the wildfires, which have killed dozens of people and destroyed entire communities.
Many Republicans are demanding conditions on any new emergency funding for Los Angeles, blaming Democratic leaders in California for exacerbating the crisis.
Democrats are pushing back, accusing Republicans of exploiting the disaster to score political points and noting Congress typically passes disaster aid without conditions.
