breaking News: Federal Emergency Declared for LA Wildfires

January 24, 2025

President Donald Trump Declares Federal Emergency for LA Wildfires

President Donald Trump announced during his visit to California that he is declaring a federal emergency for areas impacted by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. The declaration aims to expedite permitting and streamline the rebuilding process in fire-affected regions.

The President landed at LAX Airport earlier today and met with state and local leaders to assess the wildfire damage. "This federal emergency declaration will provide the resources and support needed to rebuild homes and communities swiftly," said Trump during a press conference.

Expediting Rebuilding Efforts

The declaration will facilitate faster response times by waiving certain permitting requirements and accelerating federal assistance to affected areas. "We are committed to helping Californians recover and rebuild as quickly as possible," Trump added.

Trump Meets with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass

President Trump engaged in a one-on-one exchange with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass regarding the rebuilding efforts for fire-affected areas. The conversation highlighted their shared commitment to expedited recovery:

TRUMP: Groups are saying they can't start [rebuilding] for 18 months.

MAYOR KAREN BASS: No. You can hold me to that.

TRUMP: 4 groups said that.

BASS: No.

TRUMP: They need to start tonight.

BASS: That [delay] will not be the case. But you know first, we have to get rid of hazardous waste. We are expediting everything. We need your help.

TRUMP: You've got it. You will have no permit problem, there will be zero delay. I am more worried - at least 8 groups of homeowners, I met. They said it's 18 months. They want to start now, they want to start cleaning up. You said hazardous waste - what is that? You have to define it. Are we gonna go through a whole series of questioning on defining it?

BASS: Nope, nope, nope.

TRUMP: Let them start the process tonight.

BASS: And we will. You can come back and check.

Confirmation of Federal Action

The federal state of emergency was confirmed by NBC Los Angeles and corroborated by TNW News LLC newsroom staff and producers. The declaration underscores the severity of the wildfires that have ravaged parts of Los Angeles County over the past week, leaving thousands displaced and causing significant damage to infrastructure and homes.

This development follows a series of meetings between federal, state, and local officials to coordinate relief efforts. Emergency responders continue to battle the blazes, which have consumed thousands of acres and forced mass evacuations.

Stay tuned for ongoing updates from TNW News LLC.

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