President Donald Trump announced plans to waive nearly all federal permitting requirements to expedite rebuilding efforts in Los Angeles County after devastating wildfires claimed at least 28 lives and destroyed over 16,000 structures. Trump urged local officials to adopt similar measures to fast-track recovery.
During a roundtable with local officials, Trump committed to eliminating federal permitting delays, which can typically take years. He emphasized the urgency of rebuilding efforts and pledged to declare the wildfires a national emergency to unlock immediate resources.
Trump revealed that some of the nation’s top developers have volunteered to assist with rebuilding at no cost. “They are ready to start tonight,” he said, encouraging local leaders to streamline permitting processes to match federal efforts.
Trump specifically called on Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to waive local permits, citing concerns about delays of up to 18 months. Bass signaled her readiness to cooperate, responding, “We’re ready.”
The president highlighted the need for quick action, stating that federal permits would be waived in “less than 10 days,” with an expectation that local authorities reduce their timelines as well.
A new Rasmussen Reports poll highlights dissatisfaction among Los Angeles voters with Mayor Karen Bass’s leadership, showing her approval rating at 42% and disapproval at 44%. The survey, conducted January 13-15 among 809 likely voters in Los Angeles County, has a margin of error of 3.5%. The results reflect a Democratic-leaning electorate, aligning with the area’s typical political composition.
The criticism centers around Bass’s response to the devastating wildfires that have consumed large parts of the city. Her absence during the initial outbreak, as she attended events at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence in Ghana, has intensified scrutiny. The poll reveals that 57% of voters rate her wildfire management as poor (33%) or fair (27%), compared to just 36% who view it as excellent (15%) or good (21%).
Bass, who secured her mayoral victory with 55% of the vote in 2022, focused her campaign on issues like abortion, emphasizing her pro-choice stance against Caruso, a former Republican. Despite this, her handling of the wildfires has led to discussions of a potential recall, though organizing such efforts in Los Angeles is notoriously difficult.