Karen Bass Makes Unexpected White House Visit After Year of Attacks on Trump

Clear Facts

• Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass met with President Trump at the White House on Wednesday to request federal wildfire relief funding
• The Palisades and Eaton fires destroyed over 16,200 structures and caused tens of billions in damage across 37,700 acres
• California has received over $3 billion in FEMA aid, with Governor Newsom requesting an additional $33.9 billion in federal funding

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass traveled to the White House on Wednesday for a meeting with President Donald Trump, seeking federal wildfire relief funding in what marks a notable shift after months of public confrontations with the administration.

Bass posted a photo on X showing herself and Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger meeting with Trump and senior administration officials in the Oval Office. The meeting focused on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding and rebuilding efforts following last year’s devastating Palisades and Eaton fires.

“This afternoon we met with President Trump and Administration officials to advocate for families who lost everything,” Bass and Barger said in a joint statement.

“We had a very positive discussion about FEMA and other rebuilding funds as well as the support of the President to continue joining us in pressuring the insurance companies to pay what they owe – and for the big banks to step up to ease the financial pressure on L.A. families.”

The fires scorched more than 37,700 acres — an area larger than Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm and Universal Studios combined — and destroyed more than 16,200 structures. The devastation caused tens of billions of dollars in damage, with rebuilding efforts ongoing as residents navigate insurance claims and rising costs.

“Our job is to fight for our communities,” Bass and Barger added. “When it comes to this recovery, our federal partners are essential, and we are grateful for the support of the President.”

The meeting represents a dramatic turn from the yearlong standoff between California leaders and the Trump administration over wildfire recovery funding and federal involvement in rebuilding efforts.

FEMA announced more than $3 billion in aid last June, while California Governor Gavin Newsom later sought $33.9 billion in additional federal funding. More recently, Newsom criticized Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem over delays in releasing more than $500 million in FEMA funding tied to wildfire recovery.

Bass, who has repeatedly clashed with the Trump administration in recent months, including over immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles, drew sharp criticism from some observers following the White House meeting.

Reality TV personality Spencer Pratt, who is running for mayor of Los Angeles, mocked Bass on social media, posting “MAGA KAREN” in response to the Oval Office photo and accusing her of political opportunism ahead of the election.

“Karen Bass sold her soul to Trump in a last-ditch desperation move ahead of the election LMAO,” he added.

The meeting highlights the complex political reality facing Democratic officials who have spent months attacking the president but now must work with his administration to secure critical federal funding for their communities.

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