Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing criticism for her handling of the recent Palisades Fire, which erupted on January 7, 2025, causing widespread devastation across the city. At the time of the fire’s outbreak, Mayor Bass was in Ghana attending the inauguration of the country’s new president as part of a U.S. delegation. She returned to Los Angeles on January 8, amidst escalating concerns about the wildfire’s impact.
The controversy intensified when it was revealed that text messages sent and received by Mayor Bass during her travel on January 7 and 8 were deleted. City attorney David Michaelson explained that the mayor’s phone is configured to auto-delete texts and has been set this way for at least two years. He also noted that the California Public Records Act does not specify rules for document retention, implying that the deletion did not violate any laws.
Critics argue that the deletion of these messages raises concerns about transparency and accountability, especially during a crisis of this magnitude. They contend that such communications could provide valuable insights into the decision-making processes and coordination efforts during the disaster.
In addition to the issue of deleted texts, Mayor Bass faced backlash for her absence during the initial stages of the wildfire. Political figures, including her former mayoral opponent Rick Caruso, accused her of neglecting her duties during a state of emergency. Caruso claimed that her absence contributed to a delayed response to the fires.
Furthermore, public figures and celebrities have expressed their dissatisfaction with the city’s leadership during the crisis. Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar criticized the lack of evacuation support, and actor James Woods attributed the fire management failures to liberal politicians like Mayor Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, also criticizing cuts to the firefighter budget.
The Palisades Fire has been one of the most destructive in Los Angeles’ history, resulting in multiple fatalities, the destruction of thousands of structures, and the displacement of over 100,000 residents. The crisis has sparked a broader debate about the city’s preparedness for natural disasters and the effectiveness of its leadership in managing such emergencies.
In response to the criticisms, Mayor Bass has defended her actions, stating that she remained in constant communication with fire commanders and key officials while abroad. She emphasized that she took the fastest route back to Los Angeles, combining military and commercial flights, and was in touch with officials throughout her journey.
The controversy surrounding Mayor Bass’s deleted text messages and her absence during the initial stages of the wildfire continues to be a topic of public discussion, highlighting the challenges faced by city leaders in balancing official duties with crisis management.
