Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faced sharp criticism and public outrage after remaining silent when asked about controversial budget cuts to the city’s fire department during the ongoing Pacific Palisades wildfire. In a tense exchange caught on video, a Sky News reporter repeatedly questioned Bass about her absence during the outbreak of the fires and her decision to cut millions from the fire department’s budget. Despite the pressing questions, the mayor chose not to respond.
Bass had left Los Angeles to attend the Ghanaian presidential inauguration just days before the fires began. Her decision to prioritize international travel over local emergencies has been met with widespread backlash. Social media users and public figures, including Elon Musk, have accused her of negligence, with many calling for her resignation. Critics have also highlighted the strain on firefighting resources as hydrants ran dry and homes were destroyed across the region.
The mayor’s silence has added fuel to the growing criticism of her leadership. Public anger is compounded by reports that acting City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson was left in charge during the critical early days of the wildfire. Bass has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the questions or the escalating crisis.
As the fire continues to wreak havoc, destroying thousands of acres and forcing mass evacuations, residents are demanding accountability. The situation has raised urgent concerns about disaster preparedness, resource allocation, and the role of leadership in crisis management.
