Trump Meets With LA Mayor, Officials As Residents Still Awaiting Fire Relief

In a notable shift from months of public criticism, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger traveled to the White House for a face-to-face meeting with President Donald J. Trump—emerging with a markedly different tone.

Following the meeting, the two California officials described their discussions with the Trump administration as “very positive,” highlighting cooperation on wildfire recovery efforts after devastating blazes left thousands of families displaced and struggling to rebuild.

According to their joint statement, talks centered on securing additional support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, addressing complaints against insurance companies accused of delaying payouts, and encouraging major banks to ease financial burdens on affected residents.

“This afternoon we met with President Trump and Administration officials to advocate for families who lost everything. 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. Our job is to fight for our communities. When it comes to this recovery, our federal partners are essential, and we are grateful for the support of the President,” they said.

The cooperative tone stands in contrast to past rhetoric, particularly from Bass, who had previously criticized the administration’s policies. Now, however, both officials appear eager to secure federal backing as Los Angeles faces a long and costly recovery process.

Behind the scenes, discussions reportedly focused on accelerating federal aid and addressing mounting financial strain on homeowners still navigating insurance disputes and rebuilding costs. With thousands of claims unresolved and expenses rising, local leaders have increasingly turned to Washington for assistance.

At the same time, pressure is mounting on insurers and financial institutions to act more aggressively in delivering relief—an effort the officials say has the backing of President Trump.

Not everyone was convinced by the sudden shift. Mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt mocked the meeting on social media, suggesting political motivations behind the visit.

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

The criticism adds to ongoing scrutiny of Bass’s leadership during the wildfire crisis. Even liberal comedian Bill Maher previously blasted the mayor’s handling of the disaster, drawing sharp comparisons during a televised monologue.

“Axios ran a story on how getting the water out of the hydrants in Pacific Palisades was more complicated than it seems. I’m sure it is. I’m sure it’s very complicated. That’s why I pay 13% of my income in this state every year to people who I assumed were working on things like this,” Maher said.

He went further, criticizing Bass’s absence during the early stages of the fires and budget decisions affecting emergency response, controversially dubbing her the “Nero of American politics.”

As Los Angeles continues its recovery, the meeting signals a pragmatic reality: even outspoken critics may ultimately need to work with the Trump administration to deliver results for their constituents.

With rebuilding efforts expected to take years, the extent of federal involvement—and the willingness of local leaders to cooperate—could prove decisive for thousands of California families still waiting for relief.