President Trump will venture into deep-blue California on Friday for a closely-watched visit that could determine disaster aid for the state and how Trump will work with Democratic governors throughout his four years in office.

Trump’s trip to fire-ravaged Los Angeles comes after he traded barbs with California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). The president will also make trips to North Carolina, which was hit hard by Hurricane Helene, and to Nevada, two states he won in November.

The trip to Los Angeles also marks a big moment for Newsom, who has been floated as a potential 2028 contender but who has also come under intense scrutiny for the state response to the fire.

Congress will likely have to consider disaster aid for California ahead of the fast-approaching March 14 government funding deadline. A number of top Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) have called for conditions to be put on federal aid to the state. Last week, Trump floated tying the aid to a future reconciliation bill.

Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.), whose district neighbors the areas most affected by the blazes, told The Hill that a visit to the region could change Trump’s perspective on conditioning the aid.

“[It’s] the same argument I’ve been making with my colleagues,” Kim said. “If this disaster hit your district, you would think differently and not talk about the conditions because look at my colleagues from North Carolina, look at my colleagues from other disaster areas like Louisiana, and then here in Southern California.”

Before former President Biden handed off the California disaster relief to Trump, he extended the relief for the state to 100 percent for 180 days, which stretches well into Trump’s presidency. Biden said before leaving that Congress will need to provide more aid to the state, where he shares a good relationship with Newsom.

Trump then inherited the disaster and opted to visit California on his first week in office. He said on Wednesday that he hasn’t thought about if he will meet one-on-one with Newsom. He also opted to go to North Carolina after being critical of the federal and local response to the hurricane........

© The Hill