Conservative commentator Scott Jennings sparked controversy Wednesday night by suggesting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives played a role in the devastating California wildfires. Jennings' remarks on CNN Newsnight drew immediate criticism.
The wildfires, which have scorched tens of thousands of acres and forced thousands to evacuate, have claimed at least five lives. Hundreds of thousands of residents have been displaced, and fires remain at zero percent containment amidst high winds and dry conditions.
While some Republicans, including President-elect Trump, have blamed California Democrats and the Biden administration for alleged "gross incompetence" in the response, conservative commentators like Jennings and Laura Ingraham have seized upon the tragedy to connect DEI efforts to the disaster. Jennings implied that DEI initiatives within the California fire department were responsible for the lack of containment efforts.
Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) vigorously challenged Jennings' assertions, arguing that the focus on qualifications and preparedness should not be conflated with DEI goals. Crockett stressed that the qualifications of firefighters, regardless of ethnicity or background, should be the primary concern. She pointed out the diversity of the panel on which Jennings was speaking.
Jennings responded that he was not blaming the fire department itself but rather the state's Democratic leadership. CNN anchor Abby Phillip intervened, questioning the validity of Jennings' broader claim.
Other conservative media figures have echoed similar sentiments, extending the blame to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American in the Cabinet. Fox News personalities like Laura Ingraham and Leo Terrell added fuel to the fire, further fueling the controversy surrounding the wildfires and the contentious debate over DEI.
