While part of Los Angeles was engulfed in flames, the mayor was celebrating in Ghana. Those are the allegations leveled against Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. During the Palisades wildfire crisis, Bass attended an event hosted by the US Embassy in Ghana. Bass had promised not to travel internationally if elected. So much for her pledge.
Mayor’s Overseas Trip Sparks Outrage
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing a barrage of criticism for attending a cocktail party at the US Embassy in Ghana while her city was dealing with a devastating wildfire crisis. The Palisades fires have killed at least 24 people and destroyed over 12,000 buildings, prompting many to question the mayor’s priorities and leadership during a time of disaster.
Bass was in Ghana, leading a delegation to John Mahama’s inauguration as president. However, her decision to travel internationally contradicts her campaign promise not to do so if elected. The timing of her trip has sparked particular outrage, as the National Weather Service had issued warnings about potential fire conditions before she left.
Underrated part of this wild story of Democrat incompetence is that Karen’s Deputy Mayor for Public Safety was on leave as the fires started. Why you might ask? The FBI raided his home because he allegedly made a bomb threat against city hall. California is run by total lunatics. https://t.co/JpGovgxAGP
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) January 15, 2025
Crisis Management and Budget Concerns
Bass faced backlash after cutting the Los Angeles Fire Department’s budget by more than $17 million. Given the recent disaster, this decision has come under intense scrutiny. Former US Attorney Michael Valentine criticized the delayed response to the fires, blaming it on insufficient funding and demanding that Bass be held accountable.
“I believe Mayor Bass is ultimately responsible for this failure and should be held accountable. There’s no way that I could trust her again as my mayor in light of this tragedy, there’s no way.” – Michael Valentine
When Bass returned, she attempted to defend her actions, claiming she had kept in touch with Los Angeles officials throughout the crisis. Her spokesperson, Zach Seidl, stated that the mayor spent the majority of her time at the embassy event in a separate room on calls with Los Angeles officials. However, these explanations have done little to calm public outrage.
Karen Bass promised to not travel abroad if elected Mayor of LA
But when the fires started on Tuesday, she was in Ghana for the inauguration of their President
I think Americans are getting pretty sick of politicians like this
H/T @RichardHanania pic.twitter.com/eIPNXhC12U
— Shaun Maguire (@shaunmmaguire) January 13, 2025
Public Backlash and Calls for Accountability
The controversy has sparked a significant public backlash, with over 140,000 people signing a Change.org petition calling for Bass’s resignation. The incident has become a focal point for discussions about effective leadership and crisis management, prompting a reconsideration of public service priorities.
The criticism goes beyond Bass, with California Governor Gavin Newsom also under fire for his handling of the fires. A formal recall campaign has been launched against Newsom, who previously escaped a recall attempt in 2021. This widespread dissatisfaction with leadership during the crisis emphasizes the importance of decisive action and physical presence in emergency situations.
Sources:
- LA Mayor Karen Bass pictured mingling at a Ghana cocktail party when the LA fires exploded
- Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was at cocktail party in Ghana when wildfires erupted: Report
