Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called out a reporter on Thursday, questioning why California leaders face little blame for devastating wildfires. He pointed out the stark contrast to how Republican leaders are treated after disasters.
DeSantis had just finished dinner with President-elect Donald Trump and other GOP governors at Mar-a-Lago. A heated exchange unfolded when a reporter questioned another governor about Trump’s criticism of California Gov. Gavin Newsom during the fires.
DeSantis stepped in. “Is it appropriate for people in your industry to try to create division and narratives any time these things happen?” he asked sharply.
“Newsom gets a pass because he’s a D,” DeSantis added. “If he were a Republican, you’d have him nailed to the wall for what’s happening over there.”
DeSantis referenced his own experiences with disaster management, including the 2021 Surfside condo collapse. He said he’s often been unfairly blamed for things beyond his control. “Your track record of politicizing these things is very, very bad,” he said.
He then compared the treatment of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who recently visited Ghana during a high-risk fire period. “If she were a Republican, you’d be all over her for not being there,” he said. “There needs to be balance.”
Bass returned to L.A. on Wednesday but avoided addressing reporters. When Sky News asked her about her absence during the fires, she remained silent, offering no apology to residents.
California residents are criticizing both Newsom and Bass for their fire-prevention policies. One notable decision was Bass cutting the LAFD budget by $17 million.
The wildfires have already claimed 10 lives, scorched over 35,800 acres, and destroyed thousands of homes. Firefighters are still battling the Palisades and Eaton fires, with containment levels at 6% and 0%, respectively, as of Thursday.