Trump hasn't been in contact with the LA mayor about the fires — but officials are talking about his potential visit
The president-elect has not yet had direct conversations with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat, nor with Republican County Supervisor Kathryn Barger.
TroibNews 
LOS ANGELES — Officials from Los Angeles County announced on Sunday that they have extended an invitation to President-elect Donald Trump to visit the areas affected by ongoing wildfires and to discuss federal aid, but have not yet been able to reach him directly.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger, a Republican representing the Altadena region impacted by the Eaton Fire, revealed during a press conference that she sent Trump a letter on Saturday and has been communicating with "high-ranking people within the incoming administration." However, those discussions have not included Trump himself.
“Obviously, it's a work in progress, but there is no question in my mind that we will be touching base with him,” Barger stated.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat, also mentioned that she has not been in touch with Trump.
Bass noted that she had a “direct” conversation with the incoming administration on Saturday, describing it as a “fine call.” She expressed her belief that Trump would visit the area and indicated that the discussion included potential dates for a visit.
Trump's representatives have not responded promptly to requests for comments.
In the meantime, Trump has criticized California officials for their handling of the fires that began on Tuesday.
“The fires are still raging in L.A. The incompetent pols have no idea how to put them out,” he wrote in a message posted on Truth Social Saturday night. “Thousands of magnificent houses are gone, and many more will soon be lost.
“There is death all over the place,” he added. “This is one of the worst catastrophes in the history of our Country. They just can’t put out the fires. What’s wrong with them?”
This exchange follows two days after Gov. Gavin Newsom urged Trump to assess the destruction caused by the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have already resulted in at least 16 fatalities and the damage or destruction of over 10,000 structures.
During a Sunday morning appearance on NBC’s "Meet the Press," Newsom highlighted the significance of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles as a potential incentive for Trump to engage in recovery efforts.
“Donald Trump, to his credit, was helpful in getting the Olympics to the United States of America, to get it down here in L.A. We thank him for that,” Newsom remarked. “This is an opportunity for him to shine, for this country to shine, for California and this community to shine, all that opportunity and the pride and spirit that comes from not just hosting those three iconic games and venues, but also the opportunity, I think, to rebuild at the same time.”
Melanie Mason contributed to this report.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
Supervisor Kathryn Barger, a Republican representing the Altadena region impacted by the Eaton Fire, revealed during a press conference that she sent Trump a letter on Saturday and has been communicating with "high-ranking people within the incoming administration." However, those discussions have not included Trump himself.
“Obviously, it's a work in progress, but there is no question in my mind that we will be touching base with him,” Barger stated.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat, also mentioned that she has not been in touch with Trump.
Bass noted that she had a “direct” conversation with the incoming administration on Saturday, describing it as a “fine call.” She expressed her belief that Trump would visit the area and indicated that the discussion included potential dates for a visit.
Trump's representatives have not responded promptly to requests for comments.
In the meantime, Trump has criticized California officials for their handling of the fires that began on Tuesday.
“The fires are still raging in L.A. The incompetent pols have no idea how to put them out,” he wrote in a message posted on Truth Social Saturday night. “Thousands of magnificent houses are gone, and many more will soon be lost.
“There is death all over the place,” he added. “This is one of the worst catastrophes in the history of our Country. They just can’t put out the fires. What’s wrong with them?”
This exchange follows two days after Gov. Gavin Newsom urged Trump to assess the destruction caused by the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have already resulted in at least 16 fatalities and the damage or destruction of over 10,000 structures.
During a Sunday morning appearance on NBC’s "Meet the Press," Newsom highlighted the significance of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles as a potential incentive for Trump to engage in recovery efforts.
“Donald Trump, to his credit, was helpful in getting the Olympics to the United States of America, to get it down here in L.A. We thank him for that,” Newsom remarked. “This is an opportunity for him to shine, for this country to shine, for California and this community to shine, all that opportunity and the pride and spirit that comes from not just hosting those three iconic games and venues, but also the opportunity, I think, to rebuild at the same time.”
Melanie Mason contributed to this report.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
