LOS ANGELES (AP) — In the wake of the devastating wildfires that swept through the Los Angeles area in January 2025, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at accelerating the reconstruction of thousands of homes lost to the disaster.
The order, enacted to 'cut through bureaucratic red tape,' allows homeowners to rebuild while bypassing unnecessary permitting requirements, according to a statement from the White House. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Small Business Administration officials are tasked with crafting new regulations that would allow builders to self-certify compliance with health, safety, and building standards.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has publicly criticized the executive order, suggesting that it is impractical for the federal government to handle local rebuilding permits. He urged the Trump administration to approve California's request for $33.9 billion in disaster aid, emphasizing that local officials are already efficiently processing over 1,600 rebuilding permits.
Despite the order, only a handful of homes had been reconstructed as of January 7, 2026, following the fires, which killed 31 people and destroyed about 13,000 residences. Local residents continue to face financial challenges, with nearly one-third of survivors citing high rebuilding costs and challenges obtaining insurance payouts as significant barriers to recovery. Joy Chen, executive director of the Eaton Fire Survivor’s Network, highlighted that while permitting assistance is appreciated, the primary concern is securing necessary funds for rebuilding.
Amidst these challenges, Trump's executive order has raised questions about the extent of federal authority over local permitting processes. The order also stipulates an audit of California's use of Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding, which could result in future conditions for federal support in rebuilding efforts. This audit could lead to stricter oversight of funding designed to enhance resilience against future disasters.
