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Biden Rewards California Dems’ Incompetence With Bailout For Fire Costs

President Joe Biden boosted disaster assistance to California on Thursday, announcing the federal government will cover “100 percent of all the costs” to fight the fires ravaging the Los Angeles area.

But he was less certain that President-elect Trump would be similarly generous with assistance for the series of fires, which are poised to be the most expensive in U.S. history.

“I’m not in a position to answer that question,” Biden said when asked if he was confident that the incoming administration would make California whole. “I pray to God they will,” Biden said.

The president held a White House briefing on the disaster response effort alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, whose Los Angeles home is in the evacuation zone of the destructive Palisades Fire, and administration officials.

Biden previously approved federal Fire Management Assistance Grants when the first fires broke out earlier this week. The grants were to cover 75 percent of firefighting costs, including equipment, salaries and aircraft. The president also approved an expedited Major Disaster Declaration on Wednesday to help affected individuals get immediate cash assistance.

After California Gov. Gavin Newsom made an additional request for funds, Biden said the grants and elements of the disaster declaration will now cover all of those costs for 180 days. Those dollars will pay for efforts including debris and hazardous material removal, temporary shelters and first-responder salaries.

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