Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) called for “no strings attached” support for California as President-elect Trump and his allies continue criticizing the state amid the ongoing wildfires.
Padilla joined NPR’s “Morning Edition” for an episode that aired Tuesday to discuss the destruction to the Los Angeles area after hurricane-force winds fueled flames that leveled neighborhoods.
He was asked about President Biden’s support coming to an end, as Trump is set to be inaugurated in less than a week. The president-elect has slammed California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and the blue state over its water policies, and questions remain about whether he will support the rebuilding process for the wildfires.
“I’m hopeful that President Trump will do the right thing, frankly, despite the political rhetoric that we’ve heard from him in recent days,” Padilla said. “I’m hopeful because the California delegation request for aid was bipartisan. The California House Republicans joined us in those efforts, and I imagine their support is going to continue.”
Padilla said he’s heard from several Republican senators who have experienced extreme weather events in their states, including Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).
“Disaster aid should come with no strings attached,” Padilla said. “So, let’s make that clear and reinforce that.”
He reiterated that disaster aid should be dispersed to states that need it, even as Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and other GOP lawmakers say there should be conditions on the fire aid.
“California’s always been there for other regions of the country in their time of crisis. And now it’s time for the country to be there for California, no strings attached,” Padilla said.
The senator called on Trump to accept the extended invitation to visit impacted areas and talk with families, doing what he said a “true leader” would do.
“He talked about uniting the country during the election,” Padilla said. “Here’s his chance to demonstrate that.”
The Hill has reached out to the Trump transition team for comment.
