President Joe Biden Cancels Italy Trip Due to Devastating Wildfires in California

President Joe Biden Cancels Italy Trip Due to Devastating Wildfires in California

Washington (AP): President Joe Biden on Wednesday canceled his final overseas trip due to the severe wildfire situation in California. He was scheduled to leave for Rome and the Vatican on Thursday afternoon, where he planned to meet with Pope Francis, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

This trip was intended to be his last foreign visit as president, a final opportunity to showcase the strength of America's alliances before his term ends on January 20.

On Wednesday, Biden visited a hospital in Los Angeles to meet his first great-grandchild and received a briefing from local firefighting officials on the wildfire situation. Upon returning to Washington, he approved a Major Disaster Declaration for California.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated, "After meeting with police, firefighters, and emergency personnel in Los Angeles today to address the historic wildfires, President Biden has decided to cancel his upcoming trip to Italy."

While returning to Washington on Wednesday, President Biden approved a federal Major Disaster Declaration for Los Angeles County. This will provide federal funding for temporary housing, home repairs, and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses. It will also offer additional financial assistance to state and local governments for firefighting and cleanup costs.