Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday to push for wildfire relief funding, marking a rare moment of cooperation after months of clashes.Bass shared a photo on X showing her and Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger meeting with Trump and senior administration officials in the Oval Office.Bass and Barger said the meeting included a "positive discussion" about Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding and rebuilding efforts following last year’s Palisades and Eaton fires."This afternoon we met with President Trump and Administration officials to advocate for families who lost everything," they said in a joint statement.
"When it comes to this recovery, our federal partners are essential, and we are grateful for the support of the President."The meeting comes after a yearlong standoff between California leaders and the Trump administration over wildfire recovery funding and the federal government’s role in rebuilding efforts.The fires scorched more than 37,700 acres — which is larger than Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm and Universal Studios combined — and destroyed more than 16,200 structures.
Gavin Newsom later sought $33.9 billion in additional federal funding, according to the Los Angeles Times.More recently, Newsom criticized Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem over delays in releasing more than $500 million in FEMA funding tied to wildfire recovery.KAREN BASS' 2021 TWEET COMES BACK TO HAUNT HER AS LA RESIDENTS DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITYBass, who has clashed with the Trump administration in recent months, including over immigration enforcement protests in Los Angeles, drew criticism from some online following the meeting.Reality TV personality Spencer Pratt, who is running for mayor, mocked Bass on social media, posting "MAGA KAREN" in response to the Oval Office photo and accusing her of aligning with Trump ahead of the election.He added, "Karen Bass sold her soul to Trump in a last-ditch desperation move ahead of the election LMAO."Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House and Bass’ office for comment.Fox News Digital's Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.