President Donald Trump arrived in the Los Angeles area Tuesday evening for a Republican National Committee fundraising event, where he is expected to highlight his administration's economic record, border security initiatives, and public safety policies while also criticizing California's governance.
The former president's visit includes a fundraising dinner at the Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes on Tuesday evening. He is slated to depart for Nevada on Wednesday.
Trump's arrival and travel through the region are expected to cause traffic slowdowns and temporary road closures. Areas anticipated to be affected include Century Boulevard, Sepulveda Boulevard, the 405 Freeway, Pacific Coast Highway, and Ranchos Palos Verdes Drive, according to FOX 11.
White House spokesperson Olivia Wales stated that Trump would visit California to "tout his wins for the people of the Golden State despite failed Democrat leadership: the largest middle-class tax cut ever, the most secure border in American history, and a plummeting crime rate." The spokesperson specifically criticized Gov. Gavin Newsom, accusing him of "raising taxes, inviting rampant fraud in taxpayer-funded programs, and protecting illegal immigrant drug dealers, rapists, and murderers."
Newsom's office responded by stating, "Donald Trump is coming to Los Angeles County to raise money while wildfire survivors are still waiting for the federal recovery funding he promised 18 months ago. Californians deserve a president focused on helping families rebuild — not raising money for himself at his golf course." The governor's office also preemptively countered potential criticisms, asserting that crime has decreased in the state and that fraud is being addressed.
Trump's previous official visit to California was in January 2025, following the Palisades and Eaton fires.