US President Joe Biden on Wednesday canceled his trip to Rome, Italy, and Vatican City to address the devastating wildfires in California. He had been scheduled to depart Thursday afternoon after attending a memorial service for former US President Jimmy Carter.
Wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed at least five lives and forced thousands to evacuate. Over 1,000 buildings, including homes, businesses, and landmarks, have been destroyed.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the president decided to cancel his upcoming trip to Italy to focus on directing the federal response to the wildfires.
“After returning this evening from Los Angeles, where earlier today he had met with police, fire, and emergency personnel fighting the historic fires raging in the area and approved a Major Disaster declaration for California, President Biden made the decision to cancel his upcoming trip to Italy to remain focused on directing the full federal response in the days ahead,” said Jean-Pierre.
The trip was seen as a significant event for Biden’s presidency, offering a chance to emphasise American alliances. The three-day trip would have included meetings with Pope Francis, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Biden returned to Washington from Los Angeles on Wednesday evening after meeting his first great-grandchild and receiving a briefing on the fires.
‘Southern California, we are with you’
Biden expressed federal support for California in a post on the social media platform X.
“I’ve just received a briefing from @FEMA Administrator Criswell and my Homeland Security Advisor, Liz Sherwood-Randall, on the latest around our federal response to the wildfires across Los Angeles. Southern California, we are with you. And we’re not letting up,” he said.
Biden also approved California governor Gavin Newsom’s request for a major disaster declaration.
“I’ve approved Governor Newsom’s request for a major disaster declaration and ordered Federal assistance to supplement response efforts in areas affected by wildfires, ensuring impacted communities and survivors have immediate access to funds and resources to begin their recovery,” the president said in another post.
Biden shows support for firefighters
Biden expressed his support for firefighters working to save lives amid the wildfires.
“To the brave men and women who ran towards danger over the past 24 hours in Southern California, I want you to know your President, and the rest of the country, is with you. You suited up and risked your lives to save the lives of your fellow Americans. We are indebted to you,” he said in another post.