Trump Set to Survey Fire Damage in California Amid Controversy

Donald Trump is expected to travel to California on Friday to observe the destruction caused by wildfires, which will be his inaugural presidential trip since assuming office. His relationship with California Governor Gavin Newsom has been strained, with Trump often referring to him derogatorily as "Newscum." Some of Trump's congressional allies have even suggested the possibility of withholding future emergency fire aid to California.

As Trump prepares for his visit, new brush fires erupted on Thursday in Southern California, contributing to the ongoing crisis as firefighters battle some of the state's most severe blazes. Recently, a brush fire prompted the shutdown of the northbound lanes of the 405 Freeway in Seal Beach, while efforts continued to contain the 50-acre Laguna fire in Ventura County. Evacuation orders that were in place for Cal State University-Channel Islands have now been lifted; however, classes for the day were canceled.

The Hughes fire, which has consumed over 10,000 acres, was reported to be 24 percent contained by the afternoon and had led to evacuation issues affecting tens of thousands of residents around Santa Clarita. In addition, the Sepulveda Fire—situated near the 405 Freeway—was reported at 60 percent containment. Firefighters also made significant progress against the Palisades fire, which has been burning in Los Angeles County since January 7 and has claimed the lives of at least 28 individuals while destroying countless homes.