Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing intense backlash over her handling of the deadly wildfires that have devastated Southern California this week. The criticism has become so personal that former NFL Offensive Player of the Year Michael Thomas took aim not only at her leadership but also at her appearance in a now-deleted social media post.
The wildfires, which have claimed at least five lives and destroyed more than 2,000 structures, have left over 130,000 residents evacuated from their homes. Critics have accused Bass of inadequate leadership during this crisis, including high-profile figures such as President-elect Donald Trump. Taking to Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“Fire is spreading rapidly for 3 days — ZERO CONTAINMENT. Nobody has ever seen such failed numbers before! Gross incompetence by Gavin Newscum and Karen Bass….And Biden’s FEMA has no money — all wasted on the Green New Scam! L.A. is a total wipeout!”
Michael Thomas Speaks Out
Former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas added fuel to the fire with a sharp critique of Bass. On Wednesday, he took to X (formerly Twitter) to lambast the mayor, going so far as to mock her appearance.
“That bald-headed Mayor of Los Angeles should be ashamed of herself. And be doing anything and everything to help these people,” Thomas wrote. “It sucks in America we keep putting the wrong people in power routinely now. Nobody wants to help nobody no more. They’re all for self. Like Caruso said: If it’s predictable, it’s preventable. We must get better on defense and make the world a better place.”
Thomas deleted the post shortly after, but not before screenshots circulated widely, adding to the controversy.
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Bass’s Struggles at the Podium
Bass has been under scrutiny for her public response to the crisis. During a press conference on Wednesday, her delivery seemed disjointed, leading to further criticism.
“If you need help, emergency information, resources, and shelter is available. All of this can be found at URL,” Bass said, appearing to stumble over her words. “Food, water, medicine, a bag packed and ready again, this is an active situation, and conserve water to the extent that you can. We want to make sure that we are ready if we need more water.”
Many saw this as a sign of disorganization at a time when leadership and clarity are urgently needed.
A Growing Crisis
The wildfires, fueled by dry conditions and powerful Santa Ana winds, have become one of the worst firestorms in recent memory. Emergency services are stretched thin as they battle to contain the blazes and provide relief to displaced residents.
In a statement, Bass defended her administration’s efforts: “This is an unprecedented crisis, and we are working tirelessly with local and federal agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.”
Public Reaction
While some have called the criticism of Bass unfair given the scale of the disaster, others believe her leadership has been lacking. Residents and public figures alike are demanding more decisive action to address the immediate crisis and prevent similar catastrophes in the future.
Hope Amid Tragedy
Despite the challenges, first responders and fire crews continue to work around the clock to contain the wildfires. Community organizations have stepped in to provide food, shelter, and resources for those affected, showcasing the resilience and generosity of the Los Angeles community.
As the crisis unfolds, all eyes remain on Bass and her administration to see how they navigate the coming days. For now, the focus remains on saving lives and helping displaced families return to a sense of normalcy.
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