West LA Times

President Donald Trump said that the federal government is fully committed to supporting California communities affected by recent wildfires. He made this statement during a roundtable discussion in Los Angeles, where he met with residents and officials to address the devastation.

According to Fox News, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visited Los Angeles on Friday to assess the extensive damage caused by recent wildfires, which have destroyed more than 10,000 structures and claimed nearly 30 lives. Upon arrival, the President conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas, observing firsthand the widespread devastation.

In his remarks, Trump emphasized the need for swift action in rebuilding the affected communities. He announced plans to expedite the reconstruction process by waiving federal permits. "We're going to waive all federal permits... Because a federal permit can take 10 years... we don't want to take 10 days," he said.

Fox News reports that during the discussion, Trump criticized California's leadership, particularly Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, for not fully utilizing their emergency powers to effectively address the wildfire crisis. "You have emergency powers just like I do... you have to exercise them also," Trump said.

According to Cal Fire, approximately 57,174 acres have been burned by the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires. More than 16,240 structures have been destroyed or damaged in Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and surrounding neighborhoods. As of January 26, there are 28 confirmed fatalities. Santa Ana winds, drought conditions, and heavy brush resulting from last year's rains continue fueling these fires as investigations into their causes proceed.