Backlash Against LA Mayor for Dental Treatment Proposal
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing criticism after suggesting that taxpayer money should cover dental care for methamphetamine users. She argues many individuals struggling with addiction find it difficult to rebuild their lives without their teeth.
During a candidate forum last week, while discussing the city’s homelessness crisis, Bass raised the issue. “How many people have you met who don’t have a home and don’t have any teeth?” she asked. “They don’t have teeth. Why? Because meth rots them.” She added, “If you don’t have teeth, you can’t succeed, so comprehensive health care is needed.”
The mayor’s comments sparked outrage among conservatives, who criticized her for not acknowledging the deeper issues at play regarding homelessness and drug addiction in Los Angeles. For example, conservative journalist Dustin Grage shared a dramatized post on social media, referencing an unpleasant experience with homelessness: “Karen Bass: ‘Okay, we’ll give them free teeth, so they can succeed right now.’”
Despite Bass’s assurances of progress, Los Angeles still has one of the highest homeless populations in the country. As of early February 2025, the city recorded over 43,000 homeless individuals, according to local authorities.
Critics like former Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Katie Zacharias also challenged Bass’s focus, stating that the problem of drug addiction is a symptom rather than the core issue. “It’s a symptom, not a disease,” she remarked. Former Trump Assistant Attorney General Theo Wald echoed similar sentiments, mocking Bass’s emphasis on dental health by recalling that the actual problem lies with the addiction itself.
Meanwhile, Bass, who is 72 and has served in Congress, is gearing up for a challenging re-election campaign. She faces competition from various candidates, including Los Angeles City Council member Nitya Raman, who identifies with the Democratic Socialists of America. Another contender, Spencer Pratt, known for his reality TV background, has been gaining traction after criticizing Bass’s handling of several issues, including the recent fires that affected his community.
Though Pratt is a registered Republican, this mayoral race is officially nonpartisan. As the June 2 primary approaches, many anticipate that it could set the stage for a runoff in November, with the two candidates receiving the most votes moving forward.
