Amber Phillips
Updated on: October 11, 2024 12:53 am GMT
Former President Donald Trump held a news conference on Friday in Rancho Palos Verdes, addressing the community impacted by recent landslides while also launching a scathing critique of Vice President Kamala Harris. The event took place against the backdrop of the Trump National Golf Course, where local residents gathered to express their concerns about the ongoing crisis.
Support for Landslide-Affected Residents
During his remarks, Trump expressed solidarity with families affected by the landslides, which have caused significant damage in the area. “I want to express my support for all of the families affected by the landslides in Rancho Palos Verdes,” he said. Trump praised local leaders, particularly Mayor John Cruikshank, for their handling of the situation, stating, “I want to thank the mayor for the great job he’s doing.”
He also highlighted the immediate needs of the community, noting that dozens of homes have lost essential services, including electricity, gas, internet, and cable, due to the deteriorating geological conditions. “The mountain is moving,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for government assistance to address the issue effectively.
Trump’s support extended to public safety and emergency workers, acknowledging their efforts to restore services and assist residents during this challenging time. “I salute all the public safety and emergency personnel that are working down the road as well as the utility workers who are fighting to restore services to local residents,” he stated.
Political Commentary and Fundraising Activities
While addressing the crisis, Trump spent a significant portion of his news conference targeting Harris, asserting that her tenure as California’s former Attorney General has led to negative consequences for the state. He characterized California as a “mess” and claimed that the situation reflects the broader threats posed by “the communist left,” suggesting that similar issues could arise at a national level if Harris were to ascend to the presidency.
I’m here today in California with a very simple message for the American people — we cannot allow comrade Kamala Harris and the communist left to do to America what they did to California,” Trump declared. He contended that the problems in California are a direct result of misguided policies and leadership, saying, “It’s all man-made or woman-made destruction.”
Trump’s comments came shortly after attending a high-priced fundraiser in Beverly Hills, where ticket prices ranged from $3,300 to $250,000, depending on the level of access and exclusivity offered to attendees. This appearance in California was part of his continued political efforts as he gears up for the upcoming election cycle.
Local Response to the Crisis
As Trump spoke, residents along the road leading to the golf club made their voices heard with signs demanding immediate assistance. Messages like “Save Our Homes,” “Slip Sliding Away,” and “200+ Homes, No Gas, No Power, No Help” were visible, underscoring the urgency of their situation. The residents’ concerns reflect the broader impact of infrastructure challenges and natural disasters in the region.
Governor Gavin Newsom recently declared a state of emergency in response to the landslide incidents, which have left many families in precarious positions without basic utilities. The official response seeks to mobilize resources and address the needs of those affected by the natural disaster.
Trump’s Previous and Upcoming Engagements
This visit to Rancho Palos Verdes marks Trump’s return to Southern California, where he last campaigned in June. His previous appearances included fundraising events in Newport Beach and Beverly Hills, along with a speech at the California Republican Party Fall Convention in Anaheim.
Following the press conference, Trump is scheduled to travel to Northern California for another fundraising event in Woodside, showing his commitment to maintaining a presence in the crucial battleground state ahead of the upcoming elections.
As Trump continues to navigate his political trajectory, the combination of his support for local residents and political rhetoric against his opponents illustrates the dual nature of his public engagements.
The situation in Rancho Palos Verdes shows us how local problems can connect to bigger issues in politics. People are worried about natural disasters and whether leaders are doing their jobs right. To recover and bounce back, the community will need to work together and also get help from the government in the future.
