Democratic Senator Adam Schiff will not be accompanying President Donald Trump on his visit to witness the wildfire devastation in California this Friday. A spokesperson for Schiff has informed the press that he needs to stay in Washington, D.C., to participate in nomination votes, rather than traveling to support his state in person.

The spokesperson for Senator Schiff expressed his appreciation for the President’s initiative to view the wildfire damage firsthand and thanked him for the invitation to join the trip to Los Angeles. Regrettably, the Senator must remain in Washington due to scheduling conflicts with nomination votes. However, Schiff remains committed to collaborating with the Trump Administration, along with state and local leaders and colleagues from both parties, to ensure that California receives the necessary aid and support for rebuilding and recovery efforts.”

This marks the President’s first trip of his second term, where he ventured into areas highly affected by catastrophic events that have been embroiled in political controversy. During his Friday visit, President Trump toured parts of Los Angeles ravaged by wildfires and also made a stop in hurricane-stricken North Carolina.

While commenting on the situation in North Carolina, former President Joe Biden’s administration faced scrutiny from Trump over the handling of Hurricane Helene. In response to criticism, President Trump reassured reporters before departing the White House, stating, “We’re going to get it fixed up,” and describing the lingering damage since the September hurricane as a “horrible thing” that had been left to fester. Through these visits, President Trump aims to assess the on-ground reality and highlight the efforts needed to address the urgent recovery tasks ahead.