Trump's Executive Order Transfers Wildfire Rebuild Permits to Federal Control

Jan 30, 2026, 2:48 AM

Hover over text to view sources

President Trump announced on Tuesday that he has signed an executive order aimed at transferring permitting authority for rebuilding efforts following last year's devastating wildfires in Los Angeles from state and local jurisdictions to the federal government.

The order grants the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration the power to establish regulations and certify that builders have complied with "state and local substantive health, safety, and building standards." This federal intervention overrides traditional permitting processes typically managed at the local and state levels.

Mr Trump expressed frustration over the pace of recovery efforts, stating that California and local agencies have been slow in assisting residents in rebuilding their homes and businesses after the Palisades and Eaton fires. According to state data, as of now, LA County has issued 2,981 permits while 2,587 are still under review.

In his order, Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, labeling their leadership as a "failure" during the wildfires and the subsequent rebuilding process. "This marked one of the greatest failures of elected political leadership in American history," the order states.

In response, Governor Newsom's office called Trump's order a misguided attempt to assume control over local matters. A spokesperson referred to Trump as a "clueless idiot" and emphasized that the main issue hindering the rebuilding process is a lack of federal funding.

The governor has previously declared a state of emergency and issued executive orders aimed at accelerating the recovery process, including measures to expedite debris removal and streamline building permit approvals. Newsom’s office argued that the focus should be on releasing federal disaster aid rather than federalizing the permit approval process, stating, "We are begging you. Release the federal disaster aid you're withholding.".

Further complicating matters, the White House responded to Governor Newsom's criticism by labeling him "Newscum" and attributing slow rebuild efforts to his administration's inaction. A White House spokesperson claimed that under Newsom's leadership, only eight of the 6,500 homes destroyed in LA County have been rebuilt.

In a separate statement, Mayor Bass condemned Trump's executive order as a "meaningless political stunt," asserting that construction has commenced on over 450 homes in Pacific Palisades and that permitting processes have been expedited significantly.

The mayor underscored that collaboration among local, state, and federal entities is essential to effectively expedite the rebuilding process, emphasizing that Los Angeles is already making substantial progress without the need for federal intervention.

This executive order is part of a broader narrative concerning the dynamics of federal and state responses to disaster management, particularly in light of the devastating wildfires that have wreaked havoc across California. Historically, disaster relief has involved a cooperative framework where federal assistance supports state-led recovery efforts.

Critics of the executive order argue that it undermines the established disaster response protocol and sets a concerning precedent for federal overreach into state affairs. They highlight the importance of maintaining local control and the potential risks of concentrating too much authority in the federal government during disaster recovery.

As the situation unfolds, the response from local officials and residents will likely continue to shape the discourse surrounding disaster management and the balance of power between state and federal authorities in California.

The executive order represents a significant shift in the management of disaster recovery in Los Angeles, raising questions about the long-term implications for local governance and the rebuilding process in the wake of natural disasters.

Trump's Executive Order to Expedite Los Angeles Wildfire Recovery

President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order aimed at accelerating the reconstruction of areas in Los Angeles devastated by wildfires. The order addresses significant state and local permitting failures, allowing disaster survivors to bypass bureaucratic hurdles and access federal relief more efficiently.

Trump Signs Executive Order to Control LA Wildfire Rebuild Permits

President Trump has signed an executive order transferring control of rebuilding permits from California and local jurisdictions to the federal government. The move aims to expedite recovery efforts after devastating wildfires, but has sparked controversy and criticism from state officials.

Trump Seizes Control of Wildfire Recovery Efforts in Los Angeles

President Trump has taken significant steps to assume control over the wildfire recovery efforts in Los Angeles, criticizing local and state authorities for their handling of disaster response. This move comes amidst ongoing delays in rebuilding efforts, leaving many residents still displaced and in need of assistance.

Governor Newsom Discusses AI Regulations and Rebuilding After Fires

California Governor Gavin Newsom addressed several pressing issues in a recent interview, including President Trump's executive order on AI regulations, the state's recovery efforts following recent wildfires, and the legal troubles facing his former aide. He emphasized the importance of state rights in regulating AI and highlighted the progress made in rebuilding efforts in Los Angeles.

Trump Signs Order to Federalize LA Wildfire Rebuild Permits

President Trump has signed an executive order transferring wildfire rebuilding permit authority in Los Angeles from local and state agencies to federal control. The move aims to expedite rebuilding efforts following devastating wildfires, but has drawn criticism from state officials who argue it complicates the recovery process.