Trump Directs Federal Control Over LA Wildfire Recovery Initiatives
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at expediting recovery efforts following last year’s devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. The order allows the federal government to override state and local regulations, attributing the slow rebuilding process to California’s authorities.
According to the executive order, “Immediate and decisive federal action is required to ensure that federal disaster assistance is delivered and utilized swiftly, effectively, and without obstruction by state and local governments.”
Related: The Return Period for An LA Wildfire-Scale Event May Be Shorter Than You Think
Last January, the Eaton and Palisades wildfires ravaged nearly 40,000 acres, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 31 lives and the destruction of 16,000 structures. The economic and property losses are estimated to reach as high as $131 billion.
This executive order has reignited tensions between Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom, a prominent political rival and potential Democratic presidential candidate for 2028. Newsom criticized the measure, stating that “an executive order to rebuild Mars” would be just as effective, in a post on X. He emphasized that permitting timelines have improved significantly, being at least twice as fast as they were prior to the fires.
In response to the disaster, Newsom, along with a bipartisan group of California lawmakers, has requested $33.9 billion in federal disaster assistance to support displaced residents and businesses. However, this request has stalled in Congress.
“Mr. President, please actually help us,” Newsom pleaded in his X post. “We are begging you.”
Related: California Bill Would Require Insurer Claims Handling Plans, and Double Penalties
Efforts to clear debris are underway, with the US Army Corps of Engineers removing hazardous waste from 13,600 parcels. Local city and county agencies have issued nearly 3,000 rebuilding permits, as tracked by a state website.
Trump’s order mandates that US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem publish proposed regulations to bypass state and local permitting processes within 30 days, with final regulations expected within 90 days.
However, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose district includes the Altadena community devastated by the Eaton Fire, stated that financial issues, rather than permitting challenges, pose the greatest barrier to rebuilding. “Families lack the capital to kick start or continue their rebuilding plans,” Barger noted. “Our county will soon face a mass sheltering crisis as survivors’ insurance and emergency relief funds run out.”
Top photo: Columns amongst the ruins of a home during the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. Photographer: Michael Nigro/Bloomberg.
Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.
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President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at expediting recovery efforts following last year’s devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. The order allows the federal government to override state and local regulations, attributing the slow rebuilding process to California’s authorities.
According to the executive order, “Immediate and decisive federal action is required to ensure that federal disaster assistance is delivered and utilized swiftly, effectively, and without obstruction by state and local governments.”
Related: The Return Period for An LA Wildfire-Scale Event May Be Shorter Than You Think
Last January, the Eaton and Palisades wildfires ravaged nearly 40,000 acres, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 31 lives and the destruction of 16,000 structures. The economic and property losses are estimated to reach as high as $131 billion.
This executive order has reignited tensions between Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom, a prominent political rival and potential Democratic presidential candidate for 2028. Newsom criticized the measure, stating that “an executive order to rebuild Mars” would be just as effective, in a post on X. He emphasized that permitting timelines have improved significantly, being at least twice as fast as they were prior to the fires.
In response to the disaster, Newsom, along with a bipartisan group of California lawmakers, has requested $33.9 billion in federal disaster assistance to support displaced residents and businesses. However, this request has stalled in Congress.
“Mr. President, please actually help us,” Newsom pleaded in his X post. “We are begging you.”
Related: California Bill Would Require Insurer Claims Handling Plans, and Double Penalties
Efforts to clear debris are underway, with the US Army Corps of Engineers removing hazardous waste from 13,600 parcels. Local city and county agencies have issued nearly 3,000 rebuilding permits, as tracked by a state website.
Trump’s order mandates that US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem publish proposed regulations to bypass state and local permitting processes within 30 days, with final regulations expected within 90 days.
However, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose district includes the Altadena community devastated by the Eaton Fire, stated that financial issues, rather than permitting challenges, pose the greatest barrier to rebuilding. “Families lack the capital to kick start or continue their rebuilding plans,” Barger noted. “Our county will soon face a mass sheltering crisis as survivors’ insurance and emergency relief funds run out.”
Top photo: Columns amongst the ruins of a home during the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. Photographer: Michael Nigro/Bloomberg.
Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.
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Get automatic alerts for this topic.
