Biden cancels Italy trip in final days of presidency due to California wildfires

President Biden has cancelled his trip to Italy in the final days of his presidency due to the wildfires spreading in California.

Biden was previously scheduled to visit Italy from Jan. 9-12 to meet with Pope Francis, Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

"After returning this evening from Los Angeles, where earlier today he had met with police, fire and emergency personnel fighting the historic fires raging in the area and approved a Major Disaster declaration for California, President Biden made the decision to cancel his upcoming trip to Italy to remain focused on directing the full federal response in the days ahead," the White House said in a statement on Wednesday.

The wildfires have killed at least 5 people and caused billions of dollars in damage.