Trump administration approves California's disaster funding relief request over Los Angeles riots

The Small Business Administration on Tuesday agreed to help cover some of the costs imposed on Los Angeles after riots broke out in the city over immigration raids last month, by approving disaster relief funding.

California's Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom requested the funding relief weeks after the riots, which resulted in over $1 billion in damages. Hundreds were also arrested for looting and vandalism.

SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler accused Newsom of playing politics by delaying his request for assistance, but said her department would not "play politics," by allowing small businesses impacted by the riots to apply for an up to $2 million Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). 

“Governor Newsom allowed a mob to rampage Los Angeles – standing with violent rioters, paid protestors, and criminal illegal aliens over law-abiding citizens," Loeffler said in a statement. "Despite an estimated $1 billion in damage, he refused federal relief for weeks, insisting that the riots were peaceful even as small business owners stood in the rubble.

“Although the SBA has approved California’s disaster relief request and will begin delivering immediate aid to the innocent victims, Governor Newsom must take accountability for his state-sanctioned crisis – and stop playing politics with Americans’ livelihoods," she added.

The approval comes after Newsom and other state and city leaders argued that the protests did not turn into riots until President Donald Trump activated the California National Guard.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.