Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass left the White House with more than she bargained for after heading to Washington to plead with President Trump for wildfire recovery money. The scandal-scarred mayor was seen carrying a Trump goodie bag packed with MAGA merchandise as she exited 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Devastating Wildfires
The Los Angeles fires in January 2025 were the most destructive in the city's history, burning down more than 6,800 homes and buildings across Southern California. Bass, who is running for reelection this year, and LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger met with the president on Wednesday to discuss recovery funding amid a standoff over the federal government's role.
Positive Discussions
In a joint statement, the LA officials said: 'This afternoon, we met with President Trump and Administration officials to advocate for families who lost everything. We had a very positive discussion about FEMA and other rebuilding funds, as well as the support of the President to continue joining us in pressuring insurance companies to pay what they owe – and for big banks to step up to ease the financial pressure on LA families.' Bass added: 'Our job is to fight for our communities. When it comes to this recovery, our federal partners are essential, and we are grateful for the support of the President.'
MAGA Merchandise Sighting
Former reality TV star Spencer Pratt, who is running to replace Bass, shared photos of her leaving the White House with a staffer holding a bag bearing Trump's signature. 'Look at the MAGA merch! Karen Bass sold her soul to Trump in a last ditch desperation move ahead of the election LMAO,' Pratt wrote on X. Trump has reportedly given out similar signed merchandise bags to guests at other events.
The White House Historical Association, which operates the gift shops inside the White House, told the Daily Mail they have no information regarding the merchandise or Bass's visit. The Daily Mail contacted the White House, Bass, and Barger's offices for comment.
Primary Election Pressure
Bass faces a primary election in June and is under pressure due to her handling of the fires. She did not share specifics of her conversation with Trump but indicated progress. 'I think what's important is that we certainly got the president's support in terms of what is needed, and then the appropriate people were in the room for us to follow up. And that was Russ Vought, who is the head of the Office of Management and Budget,' she told KNX.
Pratt's Candidacy
Pratt, 42, announced his campaign in January following widespread criticism of Bass over her handling of the wildfires. His unlikely political career followed years on television, including the hit MTV series The Hills, where he met his wife Heidi Montag. A recent poll by the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs suggests Pratt's long-shot campaign may not be a long shot after all. The poll still has Bass in the lead with 25 percent support, followed by Pratt at 11 percent, city council member Nithya Raman at 9 percent, and others.
Pratt is running as an independent. Los Angeles has a unique voting structure where the top two candidates in the primary face off in a November runoff. However, if a candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote in June, they win outright. Bass won comfortably four years ago but faces an uphill battle as her approval rating has plummeted.
