Mr Trump was greeted by California's governor Gavin Newsom after Air Force One landed in Los Angeles and the pair appeared to be on cordial terms, despite the president having frequently attacked the governor, who he has called "Newscum".
At a news conference, when mayor Karen Bass said residents should be able to return to their homes within the week but keeping people safe from hazardous materials was a top priority, she was interrupted by Mr Trump, who said: "What's hazardous waste?
Donald Trump has visited disaster areas in California and North Carolina and said he is considering "getting rid" of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
He and first lady Melania Trump landed in Pacific Palisades, a particularly hard-hit community in Los Angeles that is home to some of the state's rich and famous.
California wildfires: More than 30,000 flee as fire erupts north of Los Angeles.
