Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing mounting calls to resign after photos surfaced showing her enjoying a lavish cocktail party in Ghana while a “fast-moving” wildfire engulfed parts of her city. The Palisades wildfire has claimed at least 25 lives, destroyed thousands of structures, and forced tens of thousands to evacuate.
The images, first reported by the Los Angeles Times, depict Bass mingling with guests at a post-inauguration reception for Ghana’s president, an event she attended as part of a Biden administration delegation. Critics have pointed out that Bass campaigned on a promise to prioritize Los Angeles and avoid international trips during her tenure as mayor.
The timing of Bass’s absence couldn’t have been worse. While she partied, the city’s emergency management department issued dire warnings about the Palisades wildfire. Thick smoke blanketed the skyline, and Angelenos were left wondering where their mayor was.
Bass’s spokesperson, Zach Seidl, claimed that the mayor spent most of her time on calls about the crisis. However, no evidence has been provided to support this, and the party photos tell a very different story. Adding insult to injury, Bass returned to Los Angeles aboard a military plane, raising further questions about her priorities.
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The controversy has been amplified by resurfaced tweets in which Bass criticized Republican Senator Ted Cruz for leaving Texas during a crisis. Now, many are accusing her of hypocrisy.
Earlier today, Karen Bass refuses to say she regrets trip to Ghana, then walks away from CBS News reporter — the arrogance is real.pic.twitter.com/WqtvEn33xx
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) January 15, 2025
A petition demanding Bass’s resignation has gained significant traction, with over 140,000 signatures so far. Residents argue that her absence during the crisis underscores her unfitness for office.
Bass’s handling of the wildfire disaster has become a lightning rod for criticism, with many calling her actions a betrayal of the city she was elected to serve. As the fires continue to rage, Los Angeles needs leadership, not excuses.
