President Biden Cancels Final Overseas Trip Amid California Wildfires
President Joe Biden has opted to cancel his concluding overseas journey of his presidency, initially planned to commence with a departure to Rome. The decision was made to monitor the unfolding crisis of severe wildfires in California. This unexpected change comes just prior to his anticipated departure.
Biden’s itinerary included a significant schedule with international engagements, such as an audience with Pope Francis and meetings with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Additionally, a crucial face-to-face discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was planned, which now stands canceled.
This trip was to serve as a reflective conclusion to Biden’s tenure as the second Catholic president of the U.S. and an opportunity to reinforce U.S. alliances. The meeting with Zelenskyy was particularly significant as it presented a final chance to deliberate Ukraine’s future before the transition to President-elect Donald Trump‘s administration, which brings uncertainty regarding continued U.S. support.
While the meeting with Zelenskyy was not publicly announced, arrangements had been made for the leaders to convene in Rome, according to a U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity.
The Biden administration has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, providing more than $65 billion in military aid since the onset of Russia’s invasion nearly three years ago. An additional $500 million in weapons assistance was anticipated to be declared Thursday. Currently, less than $4 billion remains in congressionally approved funding, the future of which will be determined under Trump’s leadership.
President-elect Trump has previously expressed skepticism about the financial support extended to Ukraine and has been known for his controversial warm relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. His recent remarks seemingly supportive of Putin’s stance against Ukraine’s NATO membership have further complicated the outlook for U.S. foreign policy.
During the NATO summit in July, members affirmed Ukraine’s “irreversible” path towards alliance membership. However, actual membership has been postponed due to the ongoing conflict, with no concrete timeline set.
Trump remarked, “A big part of the problem is, Russia — for many, many years, long before Putin — said, ‘You could never have NATO involved with Ukraine.’ Now, they’ve said that. That’s been, like, written in stone,” while discussing Biden’s support for Ukraine’s NATO aspirations.
Biden’s decision to cancel the trip was announced shortly after his departure from Los Angeles, where he visited his first great-grandchild and received updates from local fire officials. As smoke from the fires impacted the area, Biden approved a Major Disaster declaration for California.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated, “After returning this evening from Los Angeles, where earlier today he had met with police, fire and emergency personnel fighting the historic fires raging in the area and approved a Major Disaster declaration for California, President Biden made the decision to cancel his upcoming trip to Italy to remain focused on directing the full federal response in the days ahead.”
The rapidly spreading Palisades fire, which erupted Tuesday, prompted Biden to cancel a visit to Thermal intended for the announcement of two new national monuments. The federal disaster declaration will enable financial aid for housing, repairs, and additional support for state and local firefighting efforts.
Associated Press writer Aamer Madhani contributed to this report.
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