Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the media on Thursday, accusing reporters of failing to hold California’s Democratic leaders accountable for the devastating wildfires ravaging the state. DeSantis argued that this contrasts sharply with how Republican leaders are treated during natural disasters.
Speaking after a dinner with President-elect Donald Trump and other Republican governors at Mar-a-Lago, DeSantis addressed a reporter’s question about Trump’s criticism of California Governor Gavin Newsom amidst the deadly wildfires.
READ: California Speaker Asked If Dems Care More About Trump-Proofing State Than Deadly Wildfires
DeSantis stepped in to challenge the question, saying, “Is it appropriate for people in your industry to try to create division and to try to create narratives any time these things happen? Now, you’re not as interested in doing that because Newsom is a D. If Newsom was a Republican, you guys would go try … you would have him nailed to the wall for what they’re doing over there.”
DeSantis, who has overseen several major disasters during his tenure, pointed to his own experiences of being blamed for events beyond his control.
He referenced the 2021 Surfside condominium collapse, where accusations were made before the facts were fully known.
“I remember when we had the Surfside Tower collapse. I had people from the Washington Post trying to blame me for it, immediately, without having any facts or anything,” said DeSantis. “I think your track record of politicizing these things is very, very bad.”
DeSantis also criticized Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for being abroad in Ghana while wildfires threatened the region, suggesting that she would face greater scrutiny if she were a Republican.
READ: Attorney Brian Claypool Rips California Leadership Over Wildfires: “Predicted And Preventable”
“You should have been there preparing and doing that, and yet I don’t see a lot of heat being directed [toward her],” he said. “I’d like to see some balance on how this is done. You can criticize the president-elect, but you also have to hold these other people accountable, and I have not seen that.”
The death toll from the catastrophic wildfires ravaging Los Angeles County is expected to climb as crews with cadaver dogs scour the remains of incinerated neighborhoods. Officials confirmed at least 10 fatalities as nearly 180,000 residents have been evacuated, and thousands of structures have been destroyed.
The fires, fueled by hurricane-force Santa Ana winds, have scorched more than 30,000 acres, with the largest blazes—the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire—leaving a trail of destruction across the region.
A new blaze, the Kenneth Fire in the San Fernando Valley, erupted Thursday, prompting additional evacuations and further stretching firefighting resources.
READ: Attorney Brian Claypool Rips California Leadership Over Wildfires: “Predicted And Preventable”
Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the infernos, aided by a temporary lull in winds. However, meteorologists warn that strong gusts may return by Sunday, complicating efforts. Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley described the Palisades Fire as one of the most destructive natural disasters in the city’s history, with initial estimates suggesting thousands of homes and buildings have been lost.
Santa Monica has imposed a curfew due to looting, with 20 arrests reported, as tensions rise among displaced residents. The American Red Cross has set up shelters to provide food, health services, and support for evacuees.
READ: Florida Extends Helping Hand To California Amid Devastating Wildfires
The financial toll is expected to be staggering. Analysts predict insurance losses could exceed $10 billion, making this one of the costliest disasters in California’s history. The affected areas include some of the nation’s most valuable real estate, particularly in Malibu and Pacific Palisades.
Decades of drought and dry vegetation, combined with unseasonably high temperatures, have created a tinderbox in Southern California. Experts have highlighted the role of climate change in intensifying these conditions, although political debates over the fires’ causes and response have added another layer of complexity.
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