Trump Signs Executive Order to Accelerate LA Wildfire Rebuilding Process
President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he has signed an executive order designed to "cut through bureaucratic red tape" and significantly speed up the reconstruction of tens of thousands of homes devastated by the catastrophic Los Angeles area wildfires in January 2025.
Order Targets Permitting Delays
The executive order, which was formally signed on Friday, aims to empower homeowners to rebuild their properties without having to navigate what the White House described as "unnecessary, duplicative, or obstructive" permitting requirements. This directive specifically instructs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to develop regulations that would preempt existing state and local rules for obtaining permits.
Under the proposed framework, builders would be permitted to "self-certify" that their construction projects comply with essential health, safety, and building standards, thereby streamlining the entire approval process.
California Governor's Sharp Criticism
California Governor Gavin Newsom responded with immediate scepticism, dismissing the notion that the federal government could effectively issue local rebuilding permits. He instead urged President Trump to approve the state's substantial $33.9 billion disaster aid request, for which he has personally travelled to Washington to advocate.
In a pointed social media post, the Democratic governor noted that over 1,600 rebuilding permits have already been issued in Los Angeles, with officials working at a rapid pace. "An executive order to rebuild Mars would do just as useful," Newsom wrote, adding a plea: "please actually help us. We are begging you."
Slow Pace of Reconstruction Revealed
The urgent need for action is underscored by the painfully slow progress in rebuilding efforts. According to an Associated Press investigation, fewer than a dozen homes had been fully reconstructed in Los Angeles County as of January 7th, 2026—exactly one year after the fires began. Approximately 900 homes were reported to be under construction at that time.
The devastating Palisades and Eaton fires, which raged for more than three weeks, resulted in the tragic loss of 31 lives and the destruction of around 13,000 residential properties. The subsequent clean-up operation alone took approximately seven months to complete.
Unclear Federal Authority and Survivor Priorities
It remains unclear what legal authority the federal government possesses to override local and state permitting processes. The executive order also mandates that federal agencies expedite waivers, permits, and approvals to circumvent potential obstacles posed by environmental, historic preservation, or natural resource laws.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has not yet issued a public comment on the order. While permitting assistance is "always welcome," according to Joy Chen, executive director of the Eaton Fire Survivor’s Network, it is not the primary concern for most affected residents.
"The number one barrier to Eaton and Palisades fire survivors right now is money," Chen emphasised, highlighting the severe struggles survivors face in securing adequate insurance payouts and bridging the staggering gap between available funds and actual construction costs.
A December survey conducted by the Department of Angels, a nonprofit advocating for LA fire survivors, found that nearly one-third of respondents cited rebuild costs and insurance issues as their main obstacles. In contrast, only 21% identified permitting delays and barriers as a primary concern.
