Tennis icon Martina Navratilova has expressed strong opposition to Republican US Senator John Barrasso's recent comments on disaster relief for the California wildfires. Barrasso's suggestion that federal aid would be “locked in” sparked a wave of criticism.
California is battling an unprecedented wildfire season, with blazes like the Palisades and Eaton Fires wreaking havoc across the state. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to ashes, thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate, and the death toll continues to rise.
Sen. Barrasso, a key Republican figure and Senate Majority Whip, made the controversial comments during an appearance on CBS News' “Face The Nation.” He argued that any disaster and recovery aid approved by Congress for the California wildfires should be conditional on better preparedness for future disasters.
“I expect that the strings attached to the money will ultimately be confirmed and it's about being ready next time, because it was a gross failure this time,” Barrasso said.
On January 13, 2024, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut shared a video of Barrasso's comments on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the perceived bias against Democratic states like California. Murphy argued that such conditions typically do not apply to Republican states, suggesting a double standard in the distribution of federal aid.
“Come on. We're not stupid. Republicans would never want 'strings' on disaster funding for Republican states. This is not about helping California. This is about punishing California because it votes Democrat,” Murphy wrote.
NavratilovaMurphy, who has been openly critical of Republican policies and numbers, made his comments shortly after his post. On 13 January 2024, he shared his reaction, disapproving of what he perceived as a politicized approach to disaster relief, saying:
“Disgraceful things from Barrasso.”
Martina Navratilova takes aim at Donald Trump's climate change denial comments resurfaced amid LA wildfires
Martina Navratilova criticized a 2020 resurfaced video of then-President Donald Trump dismissing climate change concerns during a wildfire debate. In the clip, Trump downplays expert warnings linking global warming to wildfires and claims temperatures will “start to cool.”
The 2020 wildfire season was one of the worst in US history, burning more than 10.2 million acres in California, Oregon and Washington, causing $19 billion in damage and at least 40 lives.
On January 11, 2025, user X (formerly Twitter) shared a video showing Trump rejecting explanations from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Secretary Wade Croft about climate change's role in the disaster.
18 times The Grand Slam the singles champion re-shared the clip, highlighting his rejection of scientific consensus and his seemingly arrogant attitude to expert advice.
“Hmm. Because Trump knows better than science and scientists, he knows more about ISIS than the generals, he knows more about nuclear weapons than the engineers who created them, he knows how to protect women, and he knows how to capture women…” Navratilova said.
In other news, Martina Navratilova shared his concern Donald Trump secured his second term as president.
Edited by Pratham K Sharma