Danny Trejo slams Kim Kardashian over comments on incarcerated firefighter pay during LA fires

Danny Trejo rebukes Kim Kardashian’s comments on incarcerated firefighters’ pay, urging her to focus on fire victims.

Kim Kardashian recently received criticism from actor Danny Trejo over her activism amid the ongoing devastating fires in Los Angeles. 

The 44-year-old reality star was called out by the veteran actor during an interview with TMZ on Wednesday.

Kardashian, who has been vocal about the plight of incarcerated firefighters, posted on Instagram about the hundreds of prisoners who are working to battle the blaze. She pointed out that these firefighters, according to the California Department of Corrections, are paid between $5.80 and $10.24 per hour, with only a $1 increase during emergency situations like the current fire. Kardashian argued that the pay had not been raised with inflation despite the dangerous work involved.

Trejo, 80, who has personal experience as a former inmate and firefighter, responded directly to Kardashian’s comments. He argued that it was inappropriate for Kardashian to bring up the issue of incarcerated firefighter pay at a time when people were losing everything in the fires. “Right now, as far as inmates getting paid — pros, cons, whatever — it’s like, right now, Kim, worry about the people that lost everything,” Trejo stated, urging her to focus on the victims of the fire. “You’ve still got everything!” he added, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the immediate needs of those who had lost homes and possessions.

Trejo, who spent a decade in prison and reportedly worked as a firefighter while behind bars, also expressed his frustration with what he described as a trend of people jumping on causes without fully understanding the context. He criticized the idea of turning every issue into a cause, saying, “Guys, I’m sorry, but just put out the damn fire and then we’ll figure out what to do.” His remarks highlighted his belief that, while important, discussions about incarcerated firefighter pay should not overshadow the immediate crisis of people losing their homes.

While Kardashian's post was focused on the compensation disparity for incarcerated firefighters, Trejo pointed out that for many prisoners, the opportunity to fight fires comes with significant benefits beyond just pay. Incarcerated firefighters, who must come from minimum security prisons and have fewer than five years remaining on their sentences, can earn time off their sentences by volunteering for fire duty. The job also provides them with a rare opportunity to live in outdoor camps and work without the usual prison restrictions.

Trejo acknowledged that many prisoners might feel compelled to take on this dangerous work due to the desire for early release or to make more money. However, he emphasized that this pay is still more than what most prisoners earn from other prison jobs, and the opportunity to shorten their sentences or potentially expunge their criminal records could be seen as a greater reward.

Although Kardashian’s post shed light on the low pay for incarcerated firefighters, Trejo argued that a focus on increasing their wages might not be the best approach, especially when the people impacted by the fires are the immediate priority. He also noted that many of the firefighters' wages go toward restitution, which could leave them with little to spend on themselves.

Trejo also made an interesting point about the nature of the crimes committed by inmates who volunteer for firefighting. He compared arsonists, who are sometimes suspected of starting fires, to “molesters” because of the intense harm caused by their actions. “This is not a good crime,” Trejo said, adding that arson causes “pain, anguish, sorrow,” as opposed to crimes like “armed robbery” where the stolen money is often insured.

Trejo’s own background as a former inmate adds depth to his perspective. He spent many years in and out of prison for various offenses, beginning at a young age. He eventually turned his life around, earning his high school diploma and later becoming a substance-abuse counselor. Trejo’s acting career began in the mid-1980s, and he went on to become a well-known character actor in films like ‘Desperado,’ ‘Heat,’ and ‘From Dusk Till Dawn.’

While Kardashian’s focus was on the pay disparity for incarcerated firefighters, Trejo’s comments highlighted the complexity of the issue and the need to prioritize the ongoing disaster. The debate between the two public figures underscores differing approaches to activism and the broader conversation about prison labor, pay, and public service.