Miller’s Critique of California Leaders

Stephen Miller, former White House deputy chief of staff, has criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for their focus on providing shelter for illegal immigrants rather than prioritizing the rebuilding of areas devastated by wildfires. According to Miller, the efforts put into safeguarding immigrants could have been redirected to fully rebuild affected regions like the Palisades, which suffered significant damage earlier this year. He expressed these views in a post on X, highlighting what he perceives as misplaced priorities by the state’s leadership.

Trump’s Discontent with California’s Response

The criticism from Miller echoes sentiments previously expressed by President Donald Trump. In January, after massive wildfires ravaged Los Angeles, Trump accused Mayor Bass of “gross incompetence” and suggested that Governor Newsom should resign due to the state’s handling of the disaster. The economic impact of the fires was substantial, with property damage estimated between $28 billion and $53.8 billion, according to the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation’s Institute for Applied Economics.

Ongoing Tensions Between Trump and California Officials

The tension between Trump and California officials has persisted, particularly after Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops and Marines in response to riots in Los Angeles following Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests. Governor Newsom criticized this federal intervention, describing it as a step toward authoritarianism. The Los Angeles City Council’s decision in November to establish the city as a sanctuary city further fueled these tensions, as it restricts city resources from aiding federal immigration enforcement.

Miller’s Continued Criticism of Bass

In addition to his comments on wildfire recovery efforts, Miller also targeted Mayor Bass in response to her interview with the New Yorker. He criticized her stance on federal intervention, suggesting that she believes Los Angeles is not bound by federal authority and can independently manage immigration policies. Despite these criticisms, spokespeople for Newsom and Bass have not responded to requests for comment.