Biden Grants Comprehensive Disaster Declaration for Southern California Wildfires
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has sought expedited disaster assistance amidst concerns about an incoming president who may not be as accommodating.
TroibNews 
LOS ANGELES — President Joe Biden has authorized a comprehensive disaster declaration for the Southern California fires, offering a variety of federal assistance to the area amidst concerns that President-elect Donald Trump may not provide adequate support to the Democratic stronghold.
During a visit to a fire station near the site of the destructive Palisades fire, Biden referred to the blazes as “astounding.”
“We’re doing anything and everything and as long as it takes to contain these fires … to make sure you get back to normal,” Biden stated. “It’s going to be a hell of a long way. It’s going to take time.”
He also mentioned that his son Hunter’s home was initially believed to be destroyed but now seems to be intact.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who submitted the formal request for the declaration on Wednesday morning, expressed gratitude to Biden for the swift approval of aid.
“It’s impossible for me to express the level of appreciation and cooperation we received from the White House and this administration,” Newsom remarked.
Newsom's comments hinted at concerns that the next administration might not be as supportive. Trump, in his social media posts on Wednesday, attributed the worsening conditions to both Newsom and Biden.
Typically, a major disaster declaration is issued days or weeks after the disaster has settled, following assessments by local and state governments on the extent of the damage. However, this standard timeline could extend well past Trump's inauguration on January 20, raising alarms in California given Trump's history of threatening to cut wildfire assistance.
On Wednesday, Newsom filed an expedited request for the disaster declaration while the fires remained active. Governors often seek expedited declarations when it becomes evident that damage will be significant. This emergency declaration qualifies California for federal support for individuals and public infrastructure.
Concerns about a non-cooperative incoming administration are evidently prominent in Newsom's mind. On Tuesday, he made a pointed distinction between Biden and Trump, praising the current president for rapidly approving federal funds for fire management, which will cover 75 percent of firefighting costs.
“At the moment, I don’t take that for granted — candidly, like I have been in the past few years,” Newsom acknowledged. “It’s rather precious. And my message to the incoming administration — and I’m not here to play any politics — is please don’t play any politics.”
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
During a visit to a fire station near the site of the destructive Palisades fire, Biden referred to the blazes as “astounding.”
“We’re doing anything and everything and as long as it takes to contain these fires … to make sure you get back to normal,” Biden stated. “It’s going to be a hell of a long way. It’s going to take time.”
He also mentioned that his son Hunter’s home was initially believed to be destroyed but now seems to be intact.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who submitted the formal request for the declaration on Wednesday morning, expressed gratitude to Biden for the swift approval of aid.
“It’s impossible for me to express the level of appreciation and cooperation we received from the White House and this administration,” Newsom remarked.
Newsom's comments hinted at concerns that the next administration might not be as supportive. Trump, in his social media posts on Wednesday, attributed the worsening conditions to both Newsom and Biden.
Typically, a major disaster declaration is issued days or weeks after the disaster has settled, following assessments by local and state governments on the extent of the damage. However, this standard timeline could extend well past Trump's inauguration on January 20, raising alarms in California given Trump's history of threatening to cut wildfire assistance.
On Wednesday, Newsom filed an expedited request for the disaster declaration while the fires remained active. Governors often seek expedited declarations when it becomes evident that damage will be significant. This emergency declaration qualifies California for federal support for individuals and public infrastructure.
Concerns about a non-cooperative incoming administration are evidently prominent in Newsom's mind. On Tuesday, he made a pointed distinction between Biden and Trump, praising the current president for rapidly approving federal funds for fire management, which will cover 75 percent of firefighting costs.
“At the moment, I don’t take that for granted — candidly, like I have been in the past few years,” Newsom acknowledged. “It’s rather precious. And my message to the incoming administration — and I’m not here to play any politics — is please don’t play any politics.”
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
