Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized reporters for their perceived double standard in covering California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass amid the recent wildfires devastating the Los Angeles area. The fires, which have spread rapidly through Pasadena and other regions, have claimed at least five lives, destroyed hundreds of buildings, and displaced thousands of residents.
During a Thursday evening press conference, DeSantis was asked about President-elect Donald Trump’s criticism of Newsom’s handling of the crisis. DeSantis shifted the focus to media bias, accusing journalists of shielding Newsom because he is a Democrat.
“If Newsom was a Republican, you guys would have him nailed to the wall for what they are doing over there,” DeSantis said. “In Florida, we just assume anytime something happens, it’s going to be politicized by the media. But you guys sitting in judgment of Donald Trump? Your track record of politicizing these things is very, very bad.”
DeSantis also pointed out the contrast in scrutiny between Newsom’s leadership and his own experiences, referencing the 2021 Surfside condominium collapse in Florida. He highlighted how the media quickly politicized the tragedy while going easier on California leaders despite the recurring wildfire crises.
DeSantis also criticized Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who was in Ghana attending a presidential inauguration as the fires erupted. “If that were a Republican mayor… I can only imagine what that would do,” he remarked. He argued that Bass should have remained in Los Angeles to oversee disaster preparations and response efforts.
Trump has repeatedly criticized Newsom’s wildfire management, citing his environmental policies, including prioritizing the delta smelt over water use for cities and farmers. Newsom’s approach, coupled with Bass’s absence during the crisis, has drawn criticism from conservatives.
DeSantis called for balanced accountability, urging reporters to scrutinize Democrat leaders with the same vigor applied to Republicans. “You criticize the president-elect, but I think you also have to hold these other people accountable, and I’ve not seen that,” he concluded.
The fires continue to pose significant risks, prompting evacuations and emergency responses as residents grapple with destruction and uncertainty.
