Martina Navratilova tears into Senator John Barrasso over controversial 'strings attached' comment on aid for LA wildfires

Tennis icon Martina Navratilova has voiced her strong disapproval of Republican U.S. Senator John Barrasso's recent remarks regarding disaster aid for the California wildfires. Barrasso's suggestion that federal aid would come with "strings attached" has ignited a wave of criticism.

California is grappling with an unprecedented wildfire season, with blazes like the Palisades and Eaton Fires wreaking havoc across the state. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to ash, thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate, and the death toll continues to rise.

Senator Barrasso, a key Republican figure and Senate Majority Whip, made his contentious comments during an appearance on CBS News' "Face The Nation." He argued that any disaster and recovery aid approved by Congress for the California wildfires should come with conditions to ensure better preparedness for future disasters.

"I expect that there will be strings attached to money that is ultimately approved, and it has to do with being ready the next time, because this was a gross failure this time," Barrasso said.

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

"C'mon. We aren't idiots. Republicans never ask for "strings" attached to disaster funding for Republican states. This isn't about helping California. This is about punishing California because it votes for Democrats," Murphy wrote.

Navratilova, who has been an outspoken critic of Republican policies and figures, weighed in shortly after Murphy’s post. On January 13, 2024, she shared her reaction, signaling her disapproval of what she perceived as a politicized approach to disaster relief, stating:

"Disgraceful stuff from Barrasso."

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

In Picture: Martina Navratilova during the 2024 Laureus World Sports Awards press conference (Image source: Getty)

Martina Navratilova criticized a resurfaced 2020 video of then-President Donald Trump dismissing climate change concerns during a discussion about wildfires. In the clip, Trump downplays expert warnings linking global warming to worsening fires, claiming temperatures would "start getting cooler."

The 2020 wildfire season was among the worst in U.S. history, with over 10.2 million acres burned, $19 billion in damages, and at least 40 lives lost across California, Oregon, and Washington.

On January 11, 2025, a user on X (formerly Twitter) shared the video, which showed Trump rejecting explanations from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Secretary Wade Crowfoot about climate change’s role in the disaster.

The 18-time Grand Slam singles champion reshared the clip, calling out his dismissal of scientific consensus and his seemingly arrogant attitude toward expert advice.

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

In other news, Martina Navratilova shared her apprehensions as Donald Trump secured a second term as the President.