January 27, 2026
Trump orders California officials out of wildfire rebuilding while refusing $34B in aid
California wildfire survivors face rebuilding delays without federal aid
🏛️Government📜Constitutional Law
Trump signed the executive order at the Carnegie Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC on Jan. 28, 2026. The order is titled 'Accelerating Rebuilding in Wildfire-Devastated Los Angeles' and gives federal agencies authority to bypass state permitting processes for federally funded reconstruction projects.
The order specifically removes California environmental agencies from the permitting chain for wildfire-related reconstruction. Federal agencies can now approve building permits, environmental clearances, and infrastructure projects without state sign-off, potentially violating California's environmental protection laws.
Rep. 
Judy Chu (D-CA) whose district includes wildfire-affected areas said the executive order does nothing to address survivors' main concern about affording to rebuild. She noted Trump and congressional Republicans haven't delivered the $34 billion in disaster aid Newsom requested.
The order applies to areas affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires, which burned through densely populated Los Angeles neighborhoods in early 2025. The fires destroyed over 12,000 structures and caused $50 billion in damages, making them among the most costly disasters in U.S. history.
California Attorney General 
Rob Bonta called the executive order an illegal overreach of federal power that violates the 10th Amendment. Bonta suggested California may challenge the order in court to protect state authority over environmental permitting.
The executive action creates a constitutional conflict between federal emergency authority and state environmental regulations. Similar conflicts have historically been resolved by the Supreme Court, which has generally favored state control over local land use issues.
Congress controls disaster funding through the appropriations process. Without congressional approval, federal agencies have limited resources to support rebuilding efforts regardless of permitting authority. The $34 billion Newsom requested has not been approved by Congress.
🏛️Government📜Constitutional Law
People, bills, and sources
What you can do
1
civic action
Contact your representatives about disaster aid funding
Congress controls disaster funding through appropriations. Without congressional approval, federal agencies have limited resources regardless of executive actions on permitting.
Hi, I'm calling about the Los Angeles wildfire rebuilding efforts. President Trump issued an executive order on permitting, but Congress hasn't approved the $34 billion in disaster aid that California needs. I want to know: Do you support funding disaster aid for wildfire survivors? Will you vote to approve supplemental disaster assistance? Communities can't rebuild without federal funding, regardless of permitting changes. Thank you.
2
civic action
Submit comments to federal agencies about permitting changes
Federal agencies implementing the executive order must accept public comments on new permitting procedures. Citizens can influence how the order is implemented.
Hi, I'm calling about the new executive order on wildfire rebuilding permitting. I want to submit comments on how this order should be implemented. Key points: Environmental protections must remain in place during rebuilding. State input should be preserved in the process. Permitting speed shouldn't come at the cost of safety or environmental review. How can I submit formal comments on the implementation plan? Thank you.
3
civic action
Support California wildfire relief organizations
While federal funding is delayed, private organizations are providing immediate assistance to wildfire survivors. Local groups can fill gaps in federal response.
Hi, I'm calling to support wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles. While federal funding is delayed, I want to help survivors who lost homes in the Eaton and Palisades fires. What kind of assistance do you currently need most? How can I donate or volunteer to help families rebuild? Thank you for your work supporting our communities.
4
civic action
Learn about federalism and emergency powers
Understanding the constitutional balance between federal and state authority helps citizens evaluate similar executive actions and advocate for proper checks and balances.
Hi, I'm calling to learn about federalism and emergency powers in light of the LA wildfire executive order. I want to understand: What are the limits of presidential emergency powers? How do courts balance federal and state authority? What constitutional principles apply? How can citizens stay informed about these power dynamics? Thank you.