Trump Seizes Permit Power Over California Rebuilds After LA Wildfires

President Trump says he will appoint EPA chief Lee Zeldin to take over California’s home-construction permitting, effectively overruling local authorities to speed rebuilding after the Los Angeles-area wildfires. He also ordered FEMA to audit federal funding, setting up a clash with California Democrats who argue the move is an overreach and that federal aid, not permitting control, is needed. LA and state leaders have criticized the effort while thousands of permits remain pending as reconstruction proceeds amid a costly, deadly disaster.