LA Mayor Credits Trump on Fire Aid, Stays Wary on Immigration
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom survey the damage during the Palisades Fire on Jan. 8.
Photographer: Jeff Gritchen/Orange County Register/Getty ImagesLos Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is navigating one of her city’s most challenging periods in decades. She’s facing a nearly $1 billion budget shortfall, the long recovery from January’s wildfires, and preparations for two of the world’s largest sporting events — the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games.
In an interview with Bloomberg News, the former Democratic Congresswoman credited federal agencies for their swift response to the deadly wildfires. However, she acknowledged concerns over how the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown could affect LA’s workforce — including the manpower needed to help rebuild the Pacific Palisades — and the wider community.