In Weekly Democratic Address, Whitesides Slams Trump's Pardons, Urges Support for Fire-Ravaged Communities

 

By Santa Clarita Star Staff

02/05/2024 at 9:30 PM

California Congressman George Whitesides delivered the first Weekly Democratic Address of the 119th Congress, highlighting the need for federal disaster relief in wildfire-stricken communities while condemning President Donald Trump's recent pardons of January 6 rioters. Whitesides criticized the politicization of emergency aid and urged bipartisan action to support first responders and those affected by natural disasters.

 

 

SANTA CLARITA - California Congressman George Whitesides delivered the first Weekly Democratic Address of the 119th Congress, speaking from a neighborhood in Granada Hills recently affected by wildfires.

 

Whitesides, who represents California's 27th Congressional District, emphasized the need for federal support in disaster recovery efforts and criticized Republicans for disregarding Elon Musk and his "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) taking over Treasury department computers while threatening to delete federal funding that Congress approved.

 

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) praised Whitesides for his leadership, stating that the Democratic Caucus remains committed to assisting communities impacted by natural disasters. Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) also commended Whitesides, calling him a "champion for his communities" and urging bipartisan cooperation in addressing disaster relief.

 

Whitesides, a freshman congressman, was sworn into office on January 3. Before being elected, he served as NASA's chief of staff and was the CEO of Virgin Galactic. He also co-founded an organization focused on wildfire prevention and response.

 

Whitesides recounted the devastation caused by recent wildfires in Los Angeles County in his address. "These fires, fueled by powerful winds and dry conditions, would go on to tragically claim the lives of 28 people, destroy thousands of homes and structures, and test the very strength of our communities," he said. He thanked first responders and firefighters, calling them heroes for their efforts to contain the destruction.

 

President Donald Trump arrived in January following a visit to North Carolina, where he pledged increased federal support for hurricane recovery efforts. However, his stop in California was overshadowed by controversy over his conditions for federal disaster aid, including a demand for voter ID laws and changes to state water policies. Trump's remarks, which appeared to tie aid distribution to political considerations, drew swift condemnation from California leaders.

 

Whitesides criticized what he described as the politicization of disaster relief efforts, stating, "The federal government should never turn a blind eye to communities who are reeling from a natural disaster or place conditions on emergency disaster aid to American citizens." He accused the administration of freezing critical funding that firefighters and first responders rely on to perform their jobs safely and effectively.

 

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued roughly 1,500 pardons and commuted the sentences of 14 of his supporters in connection with the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Among those granted clemency were individuals associated with the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers convicted of seditious conspiracy. Trump also issued "a full, complete, and unconditional pardon to all other individuals convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021," including those who assaulted law enforcement officers.

 

Whitesides condemned the pardons, stating, "It's time for my colleagues in Congress to get serious and to work with us, not against us, in the effort to do what's right by the people we represent. We should be speaking out against President Trump's pardons, which effectively release violent criminals into our communities and make America less safe."

"House Democrats will not stand idly by as President Trump and extreme Republicans in Washington disrupt social safety nets and turn a blind eye to communities who are still grappling with the aftermath of a natural disaster," he said. Whitesides urged bipartisan action to support affected communities and ensure adequate resources for emergency responders.

 

The Weekly Democratic Address is a platform for Democratic lawmakers to present their legislative priorities and respond to Republican policies. Historically, the address has been delivered by prominent Democrats when a Republican holds the presidency, while Democratic presidents typically give their own weekly remarks.