What Trump told me in our secret Oval Office meeting about the Eaton Fire
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger recounts a private meeting with President Donald Trump to advocate for federal support in wildfire recovery efforts following the Eaton Fire. She highlights ongoing struggles for survivors, including insurance delays and financial hardship, and emphasizes the need for congressional action despite presidential backing. Barger stresses that affected families seek practical solutions, not political rhetoric.
- ▪More than seven in 10 residents from fire-affected communities have not returned to their homes over a year after the Eaton Fire.
- ▪Nearly half of survivors have depleted significant savings, and 43% have taken on debt to cope with displacement.
- ▪The two main barriers to rebuilding are soaring costs and uncertainty around insurance payouts.
- ▪President Trump expressed support for federal aid and directed his administration to pressure insurance companies to fulfill obligations.
- ▪Congressional appropriations are ultimately required to provide the necessary resources for recovery, beyond presidential advocacy.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Opinion What Trump told me in our secret Oval Office meeting about the Eaton Fire By Kathryn Barger Published May 1, 2026, 6:31 p.m. ET Last week, I walked into the Oval Office and did something too few California leaders are willing to do: I sat down with President Donald J. Trump and advocated directly for the people I represent. There was no press release drafted in advance, or press conferences afterward to score political points. This was just a direct, candid conversation about devastation still overwhelming our communities — 16 months after hurricane-force winds fueled wildfires that tore through LA County and upended thousands of lives in a matter of hours.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Opinion – Latest Op-Eds & News Commentary | New York Post.
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