Despite huge criticism of California's leader from afar, President Trump shared a warm hug with Governor Gavin Newsom and seemed assured of a second term in office. Once upon a time the support of the Los Angeles based in Los Angeles. The president said he applauded Newsom, who is often publicly derided as a "press rescuer," greeted him and pledged to help "fix" reparations in a state under fire. "They're going to need a lot of federal help. Unless you don't need anything, you're going to be fine. We're going to need a lot of federal help," Newsom assured the president. "

Trump's visit to California offered clear signs that the president and Democratic governors may be able to once again pause their perennial war of words in the press and on social media to work together in times of crisis.

The issues among the often-squabbling politicians go far beyond personal feelings: California will need billions of dollars in federal aid to rebuild, and local and state entities are relying on massive reimbursement spending.

Newsom is among a group of prominent California Democrats trying to play ball with Trump in Los Angeles on Friday. Their friendly overtures mark a dramatic reversal from eight years ago, when the party mounted a "resistance" to his conservative leadership, widening the political divide across the country.

Now, with wildfires raging across the county, working peacefully with the president could boost their political standing.

But the president's voyage into California's deep blue remains fraught with political tension.

The News Journal's comments came hours after Trump struck a different tune after reporters in North Carolina earlier in the day said aid to the state would be subject to a number of conditions, including the adoption of a voter ID law. Newsom had strongly condemned the concept of federal aid in the days leading up to the president's arrival.

Trump also repeatedly blamed the news on wildfires, saying the governor was at fault for drying out fire hydrants in the Palisades fire.

After leaving the governor's office on Friday, Trump doubled down on his focus on water supplies and announced he was signing an executive order to "turn on the pumps and valves in the North," saying he wanted to "get water poured into Southern California as quickly as possible." "

A massive reservoir in Pacific Palisades failed during the fires, which pushed local water systems to their limits, drawing state and local scrutiny. But experts have debunked Trump's claims about a broader water shortage in Southern California.

Until hours before Trump landed, it was unclear whether he and Newsom would face each other.

Trump was greeted on the governor's tarmac on Friday after not responding to Newsom's calls or invitations to visit the state. The interaction, which marked the first time the two leaders had spoken in person since 2020, was relatively brief.

Newsom was not invited to host Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and congressional Democrats and Republicans. Bass’ wildfire briefing.

The governor, who spent his first term building his national profile with Republican commanders, has taken a more conflictual approach toward Trump in recent months. Newsom has alternated between preemptive attacks, such as his call for a special session to increase state legal funding to fight Trump, and pleas for civility and cooperation.

By contrast, Bass struck a more cautious and conciliatory tone with the head of state.

On previous fire media, the mayor studiously avoided raising any questions about possible tensions with Trump, insisting she had "no concerns" about the incoming president having any hatred for the country.

While Newsom loudly decried a lack of communication with the incoming administration, Bass said she had a "good call" with his staff and touted her good relationships with former legislative colleagues near Trump.

Part of the reason is ingrained style. The former six-term congresswoman is a decidedly unflappable politician who wields her power cautiously — a painful criticism during this crisis when many Angelenos seem eager to Work louder and lead stronger.

But unlike Newsom's flashes, the same underrated Mien may also make Bass particularly suited to dealing with a tumultuous president that will not only require rebuilding the city but also setting the stage for a handful of incredibly high-profile and highly regarded Prepare for a resource-intensive event coming soon.

Los Angeles is scheduled to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the Super Bowl in 2027 and the Summer Olympics in 2028.

Bass, who took a prominent seat next to first lady Melania Trump during the fire station briefing, thanked Trump for arriving in the city shortly after his inauguration and turned down his charge because The city will slowly move forward with its rebuilding efforts.

"I want you to know that we are expediting this. We absolutely need your help," Bass told the president.

The president's visit comes at a moment of serious political vulnerability for the mayor.

Bass was at an embassy cocktail party in Ghana when the Palisade Fire exploded earlier this month and engulfed the city in its first 24 hours, drawing fierce criticism.

She has made some repairs in recent days, although questions remain about her political future leading the country's second-largest city. Establishing a partnership with the White House, not to mention one that ensures federal funds continue to flow into city inventories, could allow the bass to change its own political narrative in the wake of the crisis.