Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger traveled to the White House last week to meet with President Donald Trump and administration officials, according to reports. Following the meeting, the two issued a joint statement describing the discussions as “very positive,” marking a notable shift in tone after months of criticism surrounding Los Angeles’ wildfire recovery efforts.
According to statements from the officials, the meeting focused on Federal Emergency Management Agency rebuilding funds, insurance companies accused of delaying or underpaying claims, and efforts to encourage major banks to reduce financial pressure on families whose homes were destroyed in last year’s wildfires.
The New York Post reported that, behind the smiling photos Bass and Barger took with Trump, they claim that they have his support in cracking down on insurance companies who have been slow-walking claim settlements.
After the meeting, the two issued a joint statement highlighting the constructive nature of the talks, focusing on federal aid and financial support for struggling Angelenos who are still recovering.
“This afternoon we met with President Trump and Administration officials to advocate for families who lost everything. We had a very positive discussion about FEMA and other rebuilding funds as well as the support of the President to continue joining us in pressuring the insurance companies to pay what they owe – and for the big banks to step up to ease the financial pressure on L.A. families. Our job is to fight for our communities. When it comes to this recovery, our federal partners are essential, and we are grateful for the support of the President,” they said, though Bass spent months last year ripping Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts.
The Post noted: “The feel-good rhetoric comes as Los Angeles continues its long, painful rebuild — with thousands still grappling with insurance claims, rising costs and uncertain timelines.”
Mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt, a vocal critic of Bass, quickly mocked the meeting. He shared photos from the trip and emphasized the noticeable ‘MAGA merchandise’ that those around Bass seemingly left with.
“Karen Bass sold her soul to Trump in a last ditch desperation move ahead of the election LMAO,” Pratt wrote on X.
Behind the scenes, discussions reportedly focused on securing additional recovery funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency while addressing the broader financial strain facing families affected by the fires.
City and county officials have pressed Washington to accelerate aid efforts, arguing that without substantial federal support, rebuilding could take years, The Post noted.
At the same time, local leaders have increased pressure on insurance companies and major financial institutions to provide faster claim payments, loan flexibility, and broader relief for residents still dealing with displacement and rebuilding costs.
The day before Trump was inaugurated into his second term in January 2025, notable liberal comedian Bill Maher did not spare the criticism of Bass during his kickoff HBO season opener on Friday, describing her as “Nero,” the young emperor who was said to have “fiddled” while Rome burned.
During his monologue, Maher also ripped those who were defending the Democratic mayor along with the state’s top Democrat, Gov. Gavin Newsom, after wildfires destroyed thousands of homes and gutted entire neighborhoods like the well-heeled Pacific Palisades.
“Axios ran a story on how getting the water out of the hydrants in Pacific Palisades was more complicated than it seems. I’m sure it is. I’m sure it’s very complicated. That’s why I pay 13% of my income in this state every year to people who I assumed were working on things like this,” Maher said.
Under a chyron that read, “Welcome To The Bungle,” the HBO host then tore into Bass for being on a trip to Ghana when the fires broke out and for cutting the LA Fire Department’s budget last year, dubbing her the “Nero of American politics.”