Rick Caruso Criticizes Rival's LAPD Plans, Declines to Endorse Bass

Rick Caruso, a former candidate for Los Angeles mayor, has voiced significant apprehension regarding Nithya Raman's potential plans for the Los Angeles Police Department, specifically her stated intention to replace LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell. Caruso made these remarks on Tuesday while attending an event with current Mayor Karen Bass, though he stopped short of offering an endorsement for Bass.

Caruso stated, "I do show extreme concern when a candidate is talking about firing a chief of police." He further elaborated on his criticism of Raman's platform, suggesting, "I don’t think we need LAPD being a lab experiment for the DSA," referencing the Democratic Socialists of America, an organization whose Los Angeles chapter has endorsed Raman.

Raman has previously indicated that she would replace McDonnell if elected, citing concerns that the LAPD may have prioritized protecting federal ICE agents during operations within Los Angeles. Mayor Bass, who appointed McDonnell two years ago, has defended the chief, warning that removing him, particularly with the 2028 Olympic Games approaching, could destabilize the department.

While Caruso commended Mayor Bass's support for McDonnell, he remained noncommittal when pressed by reporters about endorsing Bass for re-election. "I can’t answer that tonight or today. I’ll let you know," he responded.

This situation echoes a similar event in September when Caruso also declined to endorse Bass, describing the choices between candidates as "tough choices." Caruso invested over $100 million of his personal funds in his unsuccessful 2022 mayoral bid against Bass, ultimately losing by nearly 10 percentage points. He opted out of running in the current election cycle despite earlier speculation.

Despite past criticisms of Bass's handling of the 2025 Palisades Fire, Caruso and the mayor have found common ground in post-fire recovery efforts. Caruso has been actively involved in rebuilding projects in Pacific Palisades and Altadena. On Tuesday, he joined Bass at his Palisades Village shopping center to announce a new program designed to expedite utility services for development projects.