Trump Signs Executive Order for LA Fire Recovery

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to streamline the rebuilding process for properties lost in last year’s fires in Los Angeles. During the signing, he expressed criticism towards California’s Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, claiming the recovery efforts have been sluggish. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), less than 15% of homes destroyed in the fires have secured the necessary rebuilding permits.

“I’d like to see if we can take over a city and a state and just give the residents the permits they want to build,” Trump remarked to the California Post on Friday as he unveiled the order.

This directive instructs the SBA and FEMA commissioners to create regulations that will bypass existing permitting protocols established by California and Los Angeles. It will allow builders to self-certify their compliance with health and safety standards.

SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler has described the current recovery efforts in California as a “national disgrace.” She pointed out that despite the Trump administration providing significant financial assistance, including $3.2 billion in loans, local permit delays have hindered almost all rebuilding efforts. “As long as state and local leaders continue to impose bureaucracy and delay recovery, Los Angeles will remain in ruins,” she stated.

During the event, Trump also acknowledged Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin for his role in cleaning up hazardous materials in areas affected by the fires. “Mr. Lee is extremely talented. I don’t think anyone could have done it better,” he said.

Notably, last November, Bass celebrated the reconstruction of the first home post-Palisades fire, although she noted that the permits for demolition and construction had been approved prior to the fires. As of early January, the SBA reported that only seven structures had been completed in Los Angeles County since the wildfires began.