Mayor Bass Faces Criticism Over Travel During Fires

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has come under fire for attending the inauguration of Ghana's president while wildfires ravaged her city, marking her fifth overseas trip since taking office. Despite her campaign promise in 2021 to limit international travel, stating she would only visit locations related to Los Angeles, her multiple trips, including to Mexico and Paris for the Olympics, have sparked significant backlash. Critics have accused Bass of neglecting her responsibilities during a crisis, with a petition for her resignation gathering over 100,000 signatures. Upon her return, Bass faced questions about whether she owed an apology to residents affected by the fires but did not directly respond. Her spokesperson attributed the travel miscommunication to the unique demands of her role and the upcoming Olympics. The wildfires have resulted in numerous fatalities and extensive property damage, further compounding the scrutiny on Bass's leadership.