Mayor Bass Challenges Trump's Claims on Housing in Pacific Palisades

Jan 31, 2026, 2:29 AM
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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has set the record straight in response to President Donald Trump's claims about a low-income housing project supposedly planned for Pacific Palisades, a wealthy coastal neighborhood recently affected by wildfires. During a cabinet meeting, Trump asserted that he would take action to prevent what he described as a low-income housing initiative in the area, although he failed to specify which project he was referring to.
In his remarks, Trump expressed his opposition to any housing project in the Palisades, stating, "They want to build a low-income housing project right in the middle of everything in Palisades, and I'm not going to allow it to happen." He ordered the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Treasury Department to halt the project immediately. However, local officials, including Bass and City Councilwoman Traci Park, have indicated they are unaware of any such project being proposed.
Bass dismissed Trump's claims as unfounded and indicative of a recurring trend in his comments about California. "We're used to this. He says crazy stuff about lots of things," she noted, emphasizing that the focus of her administration is on rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of the fires, not on pushing for new low-income housing.
The confusion surrounding Trump's statements comes on the heels of California Governor Gavin Newsom's commitment of $101 million to support the development of affordable housing in areas affected by wildfires, including Pacific Palisades. This funding is intended to assist residents displaced by the fires, but it does not imply any specific low-income housing project in the affluent neighborhood.
Moreover, Bass has signed an executive order that bans applications for duplex projects in Pacific Palisades, further underscoring that there are no plans for low-income housing in the area. The mayor's comments reflect a broader consensus among local officials that Trump's accusations lack any basis in reality, with Park's office also stating they are unaware of any proposed projects.
Trump's remarks have also included previously debunked claims about California's wildfire management, suggesting that the state's leaders have mismanaged resources, particularly regarding water supply. Bass countered this narrative, asserting that the fires were not a result of any administrative decisions but were instead exacerbated by natural conditions.
The president's comments have drawn significant criticism, with Newsom's spokesperson labeling Trump as a "bumbling idiot" who spreads misinformation. This ongoing exchange between Trump and California officials highlights the politicized nature of disaster recovery and housing policy, as both sides navigate the complexities of local and federal responses to the crisis.
As the state continues to grapple with its housing shortage and the aftermath of the wildfires, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges in addressing these critical issues. Bass's administration remains focused on providing solutions for affordable housing and supporting those affected by the recent disasters, while Trump’s unsubstantiated claims complicate the narrative surrounding these efforts.
In conclusion, while Trump has positioned himself as a defender of homeowners against perceived threats from low-income housing, local leaders firmly reject his claims, emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue and collaboration in rebuilding their communities.

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