California State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas faced scrutiny Thursday after declining to directly address questions about the timing of a special legislative session to allocate $25 million for legal battles against President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration.

The session was called by Governor Gavin Newsom just two days after Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris in the presidential election.

The controversy comes as wildfires ravage Los Angeles-area communities, leaving at least five people dead and destroying hundreds of buildings.

Many residents are grappling with immediate concerns like disaster relief and homeowner’s insurance, prompting questions about whether the legislative priorities are misplaced.

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KCRA-TV reporter Ashley Zavala pressed Rivas on whether it was appropriate to convene a special session focused on combating Trump’s administration while the state faces a historic wildfire crisis.

“So, um, I’m here to address this, this, you know, these, these… wildfires,” Rivas responded.

“This is a historic… wildfire. This is a historic event, these wildfires, as I mention, are quite possibly going to be some of the worst wildfires and disasters in the state in… history.”

When asked directly if now was “the right time” for the special session, Zavala highlighted the competing priorities.

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“While these wildfires are happening, and while people are trying to understand what is going on, and they’re worried about disaster relief, worried about the ability to get homeowner’s insurance, your chamber gaveled into the special legislative session to prepare for Donald Trump in a way you are already able to do without a special legislative session,” she said.

Rivas doubled down on the legislature’s focus on wildfire relief while avoiding specifics about the timing of the session.

“Certainly, our focus right now as speaker actually, um, at this point, my colleagues and I are acting with great urgency, great urgency, to ensure that we’re providing much-needed relief, um. to Angelenos,” Rivas said.

He went on to commend first responders for their unprecedented efforts to contain the fires and reiterated the state’s commitment to supporting recovery efforts.

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The timing of the special session has raised eyebrows, particularly given prior decisions that some argue have weakened California’s ability to respond to natural disasters.

Last year, the Los Angeles Fire Department’s budget was allegedly cut by nearly $20 million, with the majority of the reductions targeting operational supplies.

Critics argue these cuts have left the city less prepared to handle large-scale emergencies like the current wildfires.

Adding to the criticism, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was in Ghana as part of an official delegation when the wildfires broke out.

Her absence during the crisis has sparked frustration among residents, many of whom are seeking answers about the city’s fire preparedness and disaster response.

The wildfires, described by Rivas as potentially the worst in the state’s history, have devastated multiple jurisdictions in the Los Angeles area.

Emergency responders continue to work around the clock to contain the fires and provide assistance to those affected. Meanwhile, residents and lawmakers are calling for a sharper focus on immediate relief efforts and long-term fire prevention strategies.

As the wildfires rage on, the decision to prioritize a special legislative session aimed at countering the Trump administration remains a point of contention, with critics questioning whether the state’s leadership is adequately addressing the pressing needs of its citizens.

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