L.A. Wildfires & Harsh Winds Force Biden To Cancel Coachella Valley Visit; POTUS Hunkers Down In City Of Angels

Wildfires and powerful winds whipping around LA have forced President Joe Biden to cancel his trip to near Joshua Tree National Park to proclaim a new national monument.

“Due to weather issues, the President will not travel to Thermal, CA,” the White House just announced “The previously scheduled remarks will be delivered in Los Angeles, CA. Additional details to follow.”

Having flown into LAX last night on what is likely his last visit to the region as POTUS, Biden stayed on the west side of town Monday. Up until just over an hour ago, it looked like the President would be making his trip to establish a Chuckwalla National Monument south of Joshua Tree National Park.

According to the White House pool report: “Earlier, pool saw POTUS enter the Beast at the RON at 10.58am. Pool then saw POTUS exit the Beast about 10 minutes later and reenter RON”

Fast moving fires, low humidity, dry vegetation and hard wind gusts have led to fast moving fires throughout LA. Smoke from a brush fire is engulfing Pacific Palisades, and another fire broke out in West Hollywood. Evacuation orders are already being issued in the Palisades, says the LAFD.

To make things worse, the Santa Ana winds are expected to pick up considerably later today and into the night reaching 80-100mph, putting most of Southern California at risk.

Joined by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Biden was to travel to sign proclamations creating the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument, which will protect 848,000 acres of lands in California. The President and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden were set to leave LA this evening.