President Donald Trump announced an executive order on March 7, 2025, aimed at accelerating the reconstruction of homes destroyed by the January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles. The order's intent is to cut through bureaucratic red tape, enabling homeowners to navigate the rebuilding process without burdensome permit requirements.
According to the White House, the order directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to create guidelines that can preempt local zoning laws, allowing builders to self-certify compliance with health and safety standards.
California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of federal intervention in local reconstruction efforts. He highlighted the issuance of over 1,600 rebuilding permits and called on the federal government to approve the state’s disaster aid request of $33.9 billion.
“An executive order to rebuild Mars would do just as useful,” Newsom remarked on social media, stressing the urgency of direct aid instead. He stated, “We are begging you.”
Concerns linger over the actual power the federal government holds over local and state regulations. As of early January 2026, fewer than twelve homes in the affected area had been rebuilt, with many survivors facing obstacles due to high reconstruction costs and insurance issues. Nearly one-third of survivors surveyed cited funding as their primary obstacle to rebuilding.
While emergency permits and assistance are welcomed by fire recovery advocates, many stress that the most significant barrier remains financial support. The executive order also mandates an audit of California's utilization of Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding to assess how well the state is managing its resources for disaster rebuilds.
Overall, while Trump's order attempts to streamline the rebuilding process, local leaders and survivors remain doubtful about its impact on overcoming the financial challenges faced by those affected by the devastating wildfires.
