Trump Administration Approves Disaster Aid for Los Angeles Riot Damages

The Trump administration has approved up to $2 million in low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to support small businesses affected by the violent anti-immigration riots in Los Angeles, despite initial reluctance from California Governor Gavin Newsom to request federal disaster relief. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler criticized Newsom for delaying the request while downplaying the violence, describing his governance as enabling the destruction estimated at $1 billion in damages. The administration emphasized that federal aid would assist innocent victims but insisted Newsom take accountability for what they called a state-sanctioned crisis. Newsom and his office have shifted blame to President Trump for escalating tensions by deploying troops to restore order, arguing that the federal government's involvement caused further damage. The SBA's move comes after weeks of unrest marked by looting, vandalism, and clashes with law enforcement during protests against immigration enforcement policies. While the federal government is providing disaster aid, it also publicly admonished Newsom for his handling of the situation and urged him to stop politicizing the crisis.