President Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 23, 2026, aimed at accelerating the rebuilding process in Los Angeles after the devastating wildfires of 2025.The order accuses California state and local officials of significant failures in their response and recovery efforts, prompting immediate backlash from Governor Gavin Newsom and other state leaders who claim the federal government is overreaching.
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whitehouse.govusatoday.comThe executive order, titled "Failures to Rebuild Los Angeles After the Wildfire Disasters," cites the mismanagement of resources and ineffective permitting processes as reasons for the slow recovery.Trump stated that nearly 40,000 acres were affected by the fires, with only a small fraction of destroyed properties currently under reconstruction.
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whitehouse.govusatoday.comIn response to these assertions, Newsom's office criticized the executive order as "useless" and claimed that local permitting timelines have already improved significantly since the fires.He emphasized that the real hindrance to recovery is the federal government's delay in releasing disaster aid, asserting that the administration is mischaracterizing the state's progress.
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usatoday.comThe executive order empowers federal agencies, particularly the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA), to bypass local permitting requirements for properties affected by the wildfires.This would allow builders to self-certify compliance with state and local safety codes, potentially undermining local governance and authority over land use.
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whitehouse.govusatoday.comNewsom has called for the Trump administration to release the federal disaster aid that survivors have been waiting for, arguing that the focus should be on providing financial support rather than federal control over local recovery efforts.He emphasized that the state's existing structures are already facilitating a faster recovery than prior disasters.
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usatoday.comThe context of this conflict is crucial, as California has historically managed its own recovery efforts following natural disasters.Trump's order comes amid broader tensions between his administration and California, particularly regarding environmental policies and responses to disasters.The governor's office noted that over half of California's forests are federally managed, challenging the narrative that state policies are solely to blame for wildfire severity.
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calmatters.orgIn addition to the permitting changes, Trump's order mandates a federal audit of nearly $3 billion in hazard-mitigation grants allocated to California, intended to ensure that these funds are being used effectively.This audit is part of a broader effort to hold state and local governments accountable for the management of disaster relief resources.
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usatoday.comRebuilding efforts in Los Angeles are critical, as thousands of residents remain displaced and in need of support.Joy Chen, director of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, pointed out that the primary barrier to rebuilding is not local permitting but rather the lack of available funds.Many survivors are struggling to secure the financial resources necessary to begin reconstruction.
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usatoday.comAs of now, there are nearly 3,000 applications for rebuilding permits across Los Angeles County, with just over 1,300 permits issued.Survivors and local officials are calling for swift federal action to release the necessary funding to expedite these processes.
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usatoday.comThe friction between state and federal authorities is expected to continue as recovery efforts unfold.Newsom and other state leaders are urging the federal government to prioritize financial assistance over regulatory control, highlighting the need for a collaborative approach in addressing the aftermath of the wildfires.
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usatoday.comAs the situation develops, it remains to be seen how this federal intervention will impact the overall recovery process and the rebuilding of communities devastated by the fires.The complexities of disaster recovery in California illustrate the challenges of navigating local, state, and federal relationships in times of crisis.
