Martina Navratilova made Senator John Barrasso cry over controversial comment on aid for wildfires in LA

Tennis icon Martina Navratilova has expressed her strong disapproval of Republican US Senator John Barrasso’s recent statements regarding disaster relief for the California wildfires. Barrasso’s suggestion that federal aid would come with “strings attached” drew a wave of criticism.

California is battling an unprecedented wildfire season, with fires like the Palisades and Eaton fires ravaging the state. Entire neighborhoods were reduced to ashes, thousands of residents were forced to evacuate, and the number of victims continues to rise.

Sen. Barrasso, a key Republican figure and Senate majority whip, made his controversial comments during an appearance on CBS News’ “Face The Nation.” He argued that any disaster and recovery assistance approved by Congress for the California wildfires should have conditions that ensure better preparedness for future disasters.

“I expect there will be conditions attached to the money that ends up being approved, and it’s about being ready next time, because this was a big failure this time,” Barrasso said.

Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut shared a video of Barrasso’s comments on X (formerly Twitter) on January 13, 2024, highlighting a perceived bias toward Democratic states like California. Murphy argued that such conditions do not usually apply to Republican states, suggesting a double standard in the distribution of federal aid.

“Come on. We’re not idiots. Republicans never ask for ‘conditions’ on disaster funding for Republican states. This is not about helping California. This is about punishing California for voting Democrat,” Murphy wrote.

Navratilovawho has been an outspoken critic of Republican policies and characters, spoke out shortly after Murphy’s announcement. On January 13, 2024, she shared her reaction, signaling her disagreement with what she saw as a politicized approach to disaster relief, stating:

“Disgraceful things from Barrass.”

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Martina Navratilova takes aim at Donald Trump’s reposted climate change denial comments during LA wildfires

Martina Navratilova criticized resurfaced a 2020 video of then-President Donald Trump dismissing climate change concerns during a wildfire debate. In the video, Trump downplays warnings from experts linking global warming to worsening wildfires, claiming temperatures are “going to start getting lower.”

The 2020 wildfire season was among the worst in US history, with more than 10.2 million acres burned, $19 billion in damage and at least 40 lives lost in California, Oregon and Washington.

On January 11, 2025, a user on Xu (formerly Twitter) shared a video showing Trump rejecting explanations from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Secretary of State Wade Crowfoot about the role of climate change in the disaster.

18 times Grand Slam singles champion re-shared the clip, referencing his rejection of scientific consensus and his seemingly arrogant attitude towards expert advice.

“Hmm. Because Trump knows better than science and scientists, he knows more about ISIS than the generals, he knows more about nuclear weapons than the engineers who made them, he knows how to protect women and he also knows how to grab women…” Navratilova said .

Meanwhile, Martina Navratilova she shared her apprehensions how Donald Trump secured a second term as president.