Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is under intense scrutiny as she navigates the fallout from her response to the devastating Southern California wildfires. Less than two weeks into one of the state’s most destructive natural disasters, Bass faces mounting criticism, with some calling for her resignation and others even pushing for a recall effort. The first-term mayor, who is already eyeing a 2026 reelection bid, has seen her approval ratings plummet, raising questions about her political future.
The Backlash Intensifies
Critics argue that Bass’s leadership during the crisis has been lacking. Veteran political consultant Garry South, who supported bass in her 2022 mayoral campaign, didn’t mince words. “The damage that Karen Bass has suffered, I don’t think it’s repairable,” he said. South pointed to her decision to travel to Ghana as part of a Biden management delegation just as the wildfires erupted. “She was ill-advisedly in Africa,of all places,when the fires broke out,leaving even after the warnings of fire danger and extreme high winds had been made public,” he added.
South also criticized Bass’s demeanor upon her return, describing her as “shaky, defensive, and behind the curve on the ground.” he noted, “She’s been on the defensive … snapping at reporters. It has all the hallmarks of somebody with a guilty conscience who knows that they screwed up, which has not been very reassuring to the public.”
Defenders Push back
Not everyone agrees with the harsh assessments. Bill Burton, a political consultant who volunteered on Bass’s successful mayoral campaign, called the criticism “profoundly unfair.” he defended her trip to Ghana, emphasizing that it was part of an official delegation for the inauguration of Ghana’s new president. Burton also dismissed calls for her resignation as “fully preposterous.”
“I’m sympathetic to the fact that she’s got a very vital job at a profoundly important moment for Los Angeles,” Burton said. “And she’s got to keep her head above the criticisms and continue to do that job. It’s tough for anybody to have that consequential a job and not face criticism. … It’s the nature of politics. But good leaders are able to rise above that and continue to do their job.”
The Road to Redemption?
With the 2026 primary election still over 16 months away, Burton believes ther’s ample time for Bass to rebuild her image. “A year-and-a-half is an absolute eternity in politics,” he said. Though, South remains skeptical, drawing parallels to former California Gov. Gray Davis, who was recalled in 2003 despite the state’s energy crisis occurring years earlier.
“Once the public impression of an elected official, notably if it’s negative, sets in, there’s not a lot you can do,” south warned. He predicted that a recall effort could gain traction, especially with multiple change.org petitions already circulating, demanding Bass’s resignation.
Key Points at a Glance
| Issue | Details |
|——————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Wildfire response | Bass criticized for handling of Southern california wildfires. |
| Travel Controversy | Faced backlash for being in Ghana during the crisis.|
| Political Future | 2026 reelection bid in jeopardy amid calls for resignation and recall. |
| Public Perception | Critics describe her as “shaky” and “defensive”; defenders call it unfair. |
| Recall Potential | analysts compare situation to Gray Davis’s recall in 2003. |
What’s Next?
As the wildfires continue to rage, Bass’s ability to lead effectively will be under the microscope. Whether she can regain the trust of Angelenos remains to be seen. For now,the debate over her leadership—and her political survival—shows no signs of cooling down.
For more updates on this developing story, follow our coverage of the Southern California wildfires and the ongoing political fallout.
Mayor Karen bass Faces Mounting Pressure Amid Wildfire Crisis and Recall Efforts
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is navigating a storm of criticism and scrutiny as the city grapples with the aftermath of devastating wildfires that began on january 7. From questions about her leadership during the crisis to a growing recall effort, Bass’ administration is under fire on multiple fronts.
The Wildfire Crisis and Leadership Questions
The wildfires have sparked a wave of criticism directed at Bass and her administration. Angelenos have questioned whether the mayor’s trip to Ghana during the crisis was ill-timed,with some demanding an apology. Bass’ office has defended her leadership, emphasizing her focus on recovery efforts.
However, tensions escalated when L.A. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley publicly criticized city officials,stating that the city “failed” her department in preparing for the wildfires. This came amid debates over whether budget cuts to the fire department impacted its ability to respond effectively. Bass’ administration has denied thes claims,asserting that the cuts did not hinder firefighters’ response.
Adding to the controversy, experts have raised concerns about the city’s water systems, which were reportedly ill-equipped to handle the scale of the fires.
Recall Efforts Gain Momentum
The crisis has fueled a growing movement to recall Mayor Bass. A petition on Change.org has garnered over 153,000 signatures as of January 17, calling for her immediate resignation or recall. While the petition itself is not an official recall mechanism, reports suggest that Silicon Valley billionaire Nicole Shanahan, who was Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s running mate during his abandoned third-party presidential campaign, is actively involved in funding a recall effort.Bass’ office has not responded to requests for comment on the recall efforts.
Recovery Efforts and Executive Action
Despite the criticism, Bass has taken steps to address the crisis and accelerate recovery efforts. On January 17, she appointed former Los Angeles police Commission President Steve Soboroff as the city’s chief recovery officer to oversee rebuilding efforts. Earlier in the week, Bass issued a sweeping emergency executive order to streamline rebuilding processes for homeowners and businesses.
“This unprecedented natural disaster warrants an unprecedented response that will expedite the rebuilding of homes, businesses, and communities,” Bass said. “This order is the first step in clearing away red tape and bureaucracy to organize around urgency, common sense, and compassion. We will do everything we can to get angelenos back home.”
leadership Style Under Scrutiny
Bass’ leadership style has been described as focused and persistent, with her team emphasizing her commitment to getting the job done despite external noise. However, the mounting criticism and recall efforts highlight the challenges she faces in maintaining public trust during this crisis.
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| Wildfire Crisis | Fires began on january 7, sparking criticism of city preparedness. |
| Budget Cuts Debate | Fire Chief Kristin Crowley claims the city “failed” her department. |
| Recall Efforts | Over 153,000 signatures on a petition; Nicole Shanahan reportedly funding recall. |
| Recovery Actions | Steve Soboroff appointed as chief recovery officer; emergency executive order issued. |
As the city works to rebuild, Mayor Bass’ ability to navigate this crisis and restore confidence in her leadership will be critical.
Sign up for Down Ballot, our Southern California politics email newsletter. Subscribe here.los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Faces Leadership Test Amid Palisades Fire Crisis
As the Palisades Fire raged across Pacific Palisades in early January 2025, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass found herself at the center of a political storm. The crisis has become a critical test of her leadership,with questions emerging about her presence during the disaster and the city’s preparedness for such emergencies.
The fire, fueled by once-in-a-generation hurricane-forced winds, spread rapidly, causing widespread damage and forcing evacuations. While Mayor Bass was in Ghana attending a U.S. embassy cocktail party when the fire broke out, her spokesperson emphasized that she spent most of her time on phone calls addressing the crisis back home. Bass also took a military plane for the first leg of her return trip, ensuring she remained accessible throughout.Despite these efforts, critics have questioned the timing of her trip and whether the city was adequately prepared to handle such a disaster. While some have acknowledged that Bass is not to blame for the extreme weather conditions, her deflection of reporters’ questions about her trip and the city’s readiness has only intensified scrutiny.
“There will be plenty of time once the city is out of imminent danger for a review of what did — or should have — happened,” Bass stated, emphasizing her focus on the ongoing crisis.
The controversy has sparked a broader debate about her leadership, with some calling for accountability and others defending her actions. As the city continues to battle the flames, the mayor’s ability to navigate this crisis will likely shape her political future.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Event | Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades, January 2025 |
| Mayor’s Location | Attending a U.S. embassy event in Ghana |
| Response | Spent time on phone calls addressing the crisis; returned via military plane|
| criticism | Questions about trip timing and city preparedness |
| Mayor’s Statement | Focus on immediate crisis; review to follow |
As the situation unfolds, the people of Los Angeles are watching closely, hoping for a swift resolution to the disaster and clarity on the city’s readiness for future emergencies. for now, Mayor Bass remains focused on leading the city through this challenging time.
