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California Governor Gavin Newsom greeted President Donald Trump at LAX on January 24, 2025, after he arrived to assess the wildfire situation. This was the President's first official trip to the place after his inauguration.
Both Newsom and the President had an allegedly contentious relationship earlier. The governor was criticized for his way of handling the fire situation. He also faced backlashes for forestry and water management policies.
His interaction with the President at the airport's tarmac recently drew the internet’s attention. One X user wrote:
“The Alpha energy exuding from Newsom is palpable.”
While many social media users shared jokes about the handshake, others appeared to be amazed by it.
“Now that's presidential handshake and greeting if I've ever seen one. Only it came from the Governor of California,” a netizen reacted.
“Trump trying to do his usual "clasp and yank" handshake, he couldn't,” a social media user pointed out.
“Gavin had a chance to do the funniest thing,” a person suggested.
Netizens seemed optimistic about the two politicians trying to save the country.
“Newsom and Trump do get along well. You look at the body language that two people willing to do what best for the country. #California,” an internet user wrote.
“Is it me or were they pulling each other on the handshake,” an internet user inquired.
Donald Trump appreciated Gavin Newsom’s gesture of meeting him at the airport
After he landed, the President addressed the reporters, saying he wanted to fix the problem. He compared the wildfire situation to being hit by a bomb. Newsom also thanked him for the visit, saying it meant a lot to the people of Palisades and Altadena.
The Governor mentioned the importance of the President’s support, similar to how he helped during the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump also said:
“We are going to be taking a little tour with some of the people from the area. I appreciate the Governor coming out and meeting me.”
The President took an aerial tour of the damage after which he toured the Pacific Palisades area where he met several residents. During a meeting with officials including Mayor Karen Bass, he mentioned that some displaced residents had been told they might need to wait up to 18 months before beginning reconstruction.
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He emphasized that this was too long and pressed for immediate action. Mayor Bass explained the delay, highlighting the need to remove hazardous waste and clean up the area to ensure rebuilding can start safely and quickly.
She added that for those rebuilding similar structures, the process should be straightforward and expedited. Despite the exchange, they reportedly did not reach an agreement on when residents could start rebuilding. Trump stated during the meeting that he would waive federal permits to speed up the process.
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