Trump criticizes California leaders for responding to wildfires

(CLO) US President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday (January 12) criticized California officials for being "incompetent" in responding to the severe wildfires raging around the Los Angeles area.

On the social media platform Truth Social, Mr. Trump wrote: "Fires are still raging in Los Angeles. Incompetent politicians don't know how to put them out."

Mr. Donald Trump. Photo: X

He stressed that this was one of the worst disasters in American history and asked: "They can't put out the fire. What's their problem?".

The rapid and ferocious spread of the fires has raised questions about California’s ability to prepare and respond. In the Pacific Palisades, hydrants ran out of water, hampering efforts to fight the blazes. Water shortages have also plagued other areas, slowing efforts to control the fires.

In response to the criticism, California Governor Gavin Newsom invited Mr. Trump to Los Angeles to see the devastation caused by the fires firsthand. However, Mr. Trump continued to level accusations at Governor Newsom, claiming that the state government had failed to effectively handle the situation.

The fires have killed at least 16 people, forced about 150,000 people to evacuate and destroyed more than 12,000 structures, including many luxury homes, according to state officials.

Mr Trump expressed his regret on social media: "Thousands of beautiful homes have burned down and many more will be gone. Death everywhere."

Despite the best efforts of firefighters and precision airstrikes, the Palisades Fire continues to spread eastward, threatening the priceless art collection at the Getty Center and heading north toward the densely populated San Fernando Valley.

Wildfires are a constant threat to California, especially during the dry season. Many environmental experts say climate change and poor forest management are the main reasons why the fires are becoming more intense and difficult to control.

According to statistics from international environmental organizations, California has experienced many fierce wildfire seasons in recent years, causing hundreds of billions of dollars in damage and leaving hundreds of thousands of people homeless.

Cao Phong (according to Lemonde, NY Times, CNA)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ong-trump-chi-trich-cac-lanh-daocalifornia-thieu-nang-luc-trong-ung-pho-chay-rung-post330120.html