Joe Biden canceled his final overseas trip as U.S. President on Wednesday in order to oversee the federal response to the devastating wildfires currently sweeping through California.
The decision came just hours before he was set to depart for Rome and the Vatican, where he was scheduled to meet with Pope Francis, Italian leaders, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Why it Matters
The trip was intended to be a symbolic conclusion to Biden's presidency, allowing him to strengthen ties with American allies and underscore the U.S. commitment to global partnerships as he prepares to exit the White House on January 20.
With U.S. support for Ukraine now facing uncertainty under the incoming Trump administration, this would have been one of the last opportunities for Biden and Zelensky to discuss the future of American assistance for Ukraine's war against Russia.
What to Know
Biden had planned to depart on Thursday afternoon after delivering a memorial eulogy for former President Jimmy Carter in Washington. But the wildfires, particularly the Palisades fire in Los Angeles, demanded his immediate attention.
The fire, which began Tuesday, has spread rapidly due to high winds, forcing the president to adjust his schedule and abandon plans to visit Thermal, where he had been slated to announce new national monuments.
Why Did Joe Biden Cancel His Trip to Italy?
Biden also approved a major disaster declaration for Los Angeles County, unlocking federal assistance for housing, repairs, and cleanup efforts.
One of the key elements of the canceled trip was a scheduled meeting between Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Biden's administration has provided over $65 billion in military aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in 2022, but that support is now in jeopardy.
What is the Trump Administration's Position on Ukraine?
President-elect Donald Trump has previously questioned the costs of the conflict and has been critical of Biden's support for Ukraine's potential NATO membership—a key point of contention between the U.S. and Russia.
What People Are Saying
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said: "After returning this evening from Los Angeles, where earlier today he had met with police, fire, and emergency personnel fighting the historic fires, and approved a Major Disaster declaration for California, President Biden made the decision to cancel his upcoming trip to Italy."
President-elect Donald Trump said about NATO: "The problem is that Russia, for many years, said 'You could never have NATO involved with Ukraine.' Somewhere along the line, Biden said, 'No, they should be able to join NATO.'"
What Happens Now
Biden's foreign policy legacy, particularly in regard to Ukraine, will likely be overshadowed by questions about the continuity of U.S. support.
Should the incoming administration under Trump make significant shifts, it could alter the course of international relations for years to come, especially concerning NATO's eastward expansion.
This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press.
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