Karen Bass, who once vowed not to travel abroad as Mayor of Los Angeles, has taken five international trips since assuming office, despite her earlier commitment to prioritize local and national concerns. This revelation comes as her city confronts one of the most devastating wildfires in its history.

According to The New York Times, Bass pledged during her 2021 mayoral campaign to forgo international travel, stating her focus would remain on Los Angeles and key U.S. cities. “Not only would I of course live here, but I also would not travel internationally — the only places I would go would be D.C., Sacramento, San Francisco, and New York, in relation to L.A.,” she told the outlet in an October 2021 interview.

However, since taking office, Bass has embarked on five city-funded trips abroad, including her recent visit to Ghana. She traveled to attend the inauguration of Ghana’s new president as part of a four-member U.S. delegation appointed by President Joe Biden. The trip coincided with the outbreak of the deadly Palisades and Eaton fires on Tuesday, sparking criticism over her absence during the crisis.

Last week, Bass faced scrutiny from a Sky News reporter upon her return. On an airport jetway, journalist David Blevins questioned her about the timing of her trip.

“Do you owe citizens an apology for being absent while their homes were burning?” Blevins asked.

He followed up with additional pointed questions: “Do you regret cutting the fire department budget by millions of dollars, Madam Mayor? Have you absolutely nothing to say to the citizens today? Elon Musk says that you’re utterly incompetent — are you considering your position?”

Bass remained silent and walked away without responding.

Her decision to travel during the wildfires has drawn bipartisan criticism, including sharp comments from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who labeled her “utterly incompetent.” Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley also expressed frustration, telling Fox 11 Los Angeles that budget cuts had hindered the department’s ability to address the fires effectively.

Khloe Kardashian weighed in as well, sharing a video of Chief Crowley’s remarks on Instagram. “I stand by YOU Chief Crowley!!!! You spoke the truth, and you had tears in your eyes because I can tell you didn’t even want to say that, but it was THE TRUTH,” Kardashian wrote. “Thank you for being honest. Mayor Bass, you are a joke!!!!”

Bass’s other international trips since becoming mayor include three visits to Paris related to the 2024 Olympic Games and a trip to Mexico for the inauguration of President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Meanwhile, southern California continues to grapple with devastating wildfires. The blazes have claimed at least 25 lives, burned more than 40,000 acres, and forced hundreds of thousands of residents to evacuate. The Palisades and Eaton fires have become two of the most destructive in Los Angeles history.