Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing intense criticism as wildfires have killed at least five people and forced tens of thousands to evacuate. Critics have pointed to her absence during the crisis, questioning her decision to travel abroad while fires were ravaging the state. As of late Wednesday, several wildfires scorched more than 25,000 acres, destroying over 1,000 buildings. The timing of her trip has been viewed by many as a failure to prioritize the urgent needs of her city in the face of such a devastating disaster.
Karen Bass, who made history as the first woman elected mayor of Los Angeles in 2022, is under heavy scrutiny for being thousands of miles away in Ghana when wildfires broke out in Los Angeles. Bass traveled to Ghana on Saturday to attend the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama. Her departure coincided with escalating warnings from the National Weather Service about a coming windstorm, which intensified the fires. Critics argue that her absence during such a critical time undermines her leadership as fires wreaked havoc, causing fatalities and widespread destruction.
Karen Bass’ absence during the early stages of the wildfire crisis has drawn sharp criticism, even after her return to Los Angeles on Wednesday. State and local officials were left to assess the devastation in her absence, leading to fierce backlash. Rick Caruso, whom Bass defeated in the 2022 mayoral race, told Politico, “Of course, you don’t go. That’s not leadership, that’s abandoning your post.” An anonymous veteran Democratic consultant further commented that while her absence might not compare to Ted Cruz’s infamous trip to Cancun, it could still leave a lasting negative impact on her public image.
In response to the backlash, Karen Bass defended her actions, urging her constituents to avoid politicizing the devastating wildfires. She told Politico, “This is going to be an effort of all of us coming together, and we have to resist any effort to pull us apart.” Bass emphasized that she remained in constant contact with officials during her return, including coordinating every hour while on a military plane. She stated, “Although I was not physically here, I was in contact with many of the individuals that are standing here throughout the entire time.” Upon landing, she immediately visited the fire zone in Pacific Palisades to assess the damage firsthand.
San Francisco Chronicle columnist Emily Hoeven expressed concern, writing, “It’s surprising that she went at all — and didn’t return sooner — given forecasts of severe fire danger,” reinforcing the criticism about Bass’ leadership during the crisis.#newsafro_
