Trump Takes Control of LA Wildfire Rebuild Permits with Executive Order

Jan 28, 2026, 2:43 AM

Climate Change Los Angeles Politics US Weather

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President Trump announced Tuesday that he has signed an executive order that transfers permitting authority for the rebuilding efforts following last year's devastating wildfires in California from state and local governments to the federal government. This order is aimed at expediting the recovery process in Los Angeles, where thousands of homes and businesses were affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires.

The executive order grants the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration the power to set regulations and approve certifications for builders, ensuring compliance with "state and local substantive health, safety, and building standards." This effectively overrides normal permitting processes typically handled by local entities.

In his announcement, Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, accusing them of failing to manage the wildfires and the subsequent rebuilding efforts. The order described the situation as one of the most significant failures of political leadership in American history.

The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions between Trump and state officials. In response to the executive order, a spokesperson for Newsom condemned Trump, labeling him a "clueless idiot" and accusing him of lacking leadership. Newsom's office argued that the primary issue hindering recovery is not the permitting process but rather the lack of federal disaster funding, which they claim is essential for rebuilding efforts.

Statistics from California indicate that approximately 2,981 permits have been issued by LA County and the cities of Los Angeles, Malibu, and Pasadena during the rebuilding process, while 2,587 permits remain under review. Trump’s order aims to address what he perceives as delays caused by local agencies, which he believes are slowing down the rebuilding process.

The White House responded to Newsom's criticisms by asserting that only eight of the 6,500 homes destroyed in LA County have been rebuilt under Newsom's leadership, claiming that local permitting processes are moving at a "snail's pace." The statement also accused Newsom of sitting on billions in unspent federal disaster funds intended for disaster prevention.

In contrast, Mayor Bass described Trump's order as a "meaningless political stunt," emphasizing that construction has already commenced on over 450 homes in Pacific Palisades and that rebuilding plans are being approved in a timely manner. She highlighted the city's commitment to working with local, state, and federal partners to expedite the rebuilding efforts.

This executive order is part of a broader trend in which the Trump administration seeks to assert federal control over state and local disaster response mechanisms. Critics argue that such measures undermine established protocols that have historically integrated federal assistance with local management.

The ongoing conflict between federal and state authorities regarding disaster management raises significant questions about the balance of power in emergency response scenarios. As the situation develops, the focus remains on how effectively the federal government can facilitate the rebuilding process in Los Angeles while navigating the existing political tensions.

In conclusion, Trump's executive order represents a decisive shift in the governance of disaster recovery in California, aiming to streamline rebuilding efforts in the wake of catastrophic wildfires. However, the implications of this federal takeover of local permitting processes are still unfolding, inviting scrutiny and debate among lawmakers and residents alike.

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