Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) called for “no strings attached” support for California as President-elect Trump and his allies continue to criticize the state amid ongoing wildfires.
Padilla joins NPR “Morning Edition” The episode, which aired Tuesday, discussed the destruction in the Los Angeles area after hurricane-force winds sparked fires that burned down neighborhoods.
With President Trump scheduled to be inaugurated within a week, he was asked about the end of his support for President Biden. The president-elect has criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and the blue state over water policy, and questions remain about whether he will support the wildfire rebuilding process.
“Frankly, despite the political rhetoric I've heard from President Trump in recent days, I expect him to do the right thing,” Padilla said. “I'm hopeful because the California delegation's request for assistance was bipartisan. California House Republicans are also participating in these efforts, and I think their support will continue.”
Padilla said he has heard from several Republican senators who have experienced extreme weather in their states, including Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-Maine).
“There should be no strings attached to disaster relief,” Padilla said. “So let's clarify that and strengthen it.”
He said disaster aid should be distributed to states in need, even though House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) and other Republicans have argued that fire aid should have conditions. I repeated.
“California has always stood by us when the rest of the country was in crisis, and now is the time for the country to stand by for California, no strings attached,” Padilla said. .
The senator called on President Trump to do what a “true leader” should do by accepting an extended invitation to visit affected areas and speak with families.
“He talked about uniting the country during the election,” Padilla said. “This is his chance to prove it.”
The Hill has reached out to Trump's transition team for comment.
