Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass traveled to Ghana on Tuesday as part of a U.S. delegation attending the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama, sparking frustration as her city faced devastating wildfires. The taxpayer-funded trip, led by Shalanda D. Young, director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, also included U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Virginia E. Palmer and Frances Z. Brown, a senior director for African affairs.
Back in Los Angeles, fast-moving wildfires erupted in the mountains above Pacific Palisades, fueled by extreme Santa Ana winds. Over 1,400 firefighters were deployed to battle the flames, which threatened more than 13,000 structures and forced the evacuation of 30,000 residents. The fire, propelled by winds reaching up to 60 mph and gusts in mountainous areas exceeding 100 mph, showed no signs of abating.
Bass, elected in 2022, faced backlash on social media for leaving Los Angeles during the crisis. Many residents questioned her decision to prioritize international “diplomatic duties” over addressing the emergency at home.
As firefighters braced for worsening conditions, the absence of the city’s leadership drew pointed criticism from constituents who expected a more hands-on response during such a critical moment. The situation highlighted the tension between local governance responsibilities and broader political engagements on the global stage.
The wildfires are expected to remain a significant threat, with officials warning that continued high winds and dry conditions could exacerbate the damage in the coming days.
