On her Monday night show, MSNBC’s Joy Reid made a controversial claim, alleging that the “billionaire right” plans to exploit the destruction caused by the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires to create “apartheid-like conditions” in Southern California.
Reid argued that wealthy elites aim to capitalize on the devastation by acquiring burned properties at low prices, ultimately displacing minorities and consolidating power in the state. “The people losing the most in Los Angeles County aren’t the rich, faded celebrities,” Reid stated, suggesting that wealthy investors are circling the affected areas with exploitative intentions.
Reid further accused conservative billionaires of intending to reshape California with policies that mirror Republican-led states like Florida and Texas. “They can drive out the brown people and the black and Asian people, or just sink them into the same apartheid they’ve created in Texas,” Reid claimed.
She suggested that this alleged strategy seeks to shift California’s political landscape, stating, “If they control California, they will control enough electoral votes to never have to worry about another presidential election.”
The fires, which began over a week ago, have left 25 people dead, destroyed tens of thousands of homes, and displaced over 100,000 residents. While officials and first responders work to contain the devastation, Reid’s comments have sparked criticism and debate over the politicization of the disaster.
Reid’s claims have drawn backlash from critics who view her comments as inflammatory and lacking evidence. Some have accused her of exploiting the tragedy for political purposes, while others argue that the focus should remain on relief efforts and supporting those impacted by the fires.
As California continues to grapple with the aftermath of the wildfires, Reid’s remarks highlight the ongoing political tensions surrounding disaster response, recovery, and the broader socio-political dynamics in the state.
