Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faces intense scrutiny over her international travels as wildfires ravage the city.
At a Glance
- Mayor Bass criticized for being in Ghana during destructive Los Angeles wildfires
- Bass’s absence during crisis seen as political misstep, drawing parallels to past mayoral controversies
- Critics question Bass’s commitment to local issues amid frequent international trips
- Supporters argue Bass managed crisis remotely, but controversy persists
- Situation highlights challenges of balancing local governance with international responsibilities
Mayor’s Absence Sparks Outrage
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass finds herself at the center of a political firestorm after being absent during a major wildfire crisis that threatened the city. Bass, who was in Ghana at the time, faced heavy criticism for not returning immediately to oversee the emergency response. The incident has reignited debate about her frequent international travel and commitment to local issues.
Former mayoral candidate Rick Caruso had strong words for the incumbent mayor when commenting on her absence.
“Of course, you don’t go. That’s not leadership, that’s abandoning your post,” Caruso said.
Yeah, duh.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass deflected when asked about the city's preparation for the fires and her decision to travel to Ghana for its president's inauguration while serious warnings were in place for wildfires. https://t.co/s61LXIoQ2R
— ABC News (@ABC) January 9, 2025
Bass’s team emphasized her remote involvement in coordinating fire response efforts, maintaining that she was in constant communication with local officials. Ha.
However, this explanation did little to quell the growing discontent among constituents and political observers. The controversy has cast a shadow over Bass’s previously well-received crisis management efforts, such as her handling of mudslides and floods earlier in her tenure.
But some Dems are insane enough to think that it’s not a big deal.
“Is it as bad as Ted Cruz going to Cancun? No. But it could be an indelible dent in her image,” one veteran Democratic consultant in Los Angeles said.
Double ha!
The situation draws uncomfortable parallels to former Mayor James Hahn’s absence during the 9/11 attacks, which significantly impacted his political career. As Los Angeles gears up for major events like the 2028 Olympics, Bass’s ability to balance local and international responsibilities is under intense scrutiny.
Adding fuel to the fire is the revelation that Bass had previously pledged not to travel internationally if elected.
“Not only would I of course live here, but I also would not travel internationally — the only places I would go would be D.C., Sacramento, San Francisco and New York, in relation to L.A.,” Bass stated before taking office.
Her subsequent trips to Ghana, Mexico, and France have left many questioning her commitment to this promise.
