Trump Unleashes Firestorm of Water Reform: “California Will Rise From Ashes Quicker Than Under Biden”

During his Friday visit to the fire-ravaged areas of Los Angeles, President Donald Trump outlined a vision for California’s recovery and future resilience, emphasizing a rapid rebuild, streamlined federal regulations, and a critique of current state environmental policies. The visit, just four days after his inauguration, highlighted his administration’s commitment to addressing the aftermath of one of California’s most devastating wildfires.

“We can’t have a Golden Era without the Golden State,” Trump told the room of state officials and residents who had gathered to discuss their needs. 

President Trump and Mrs. Trump had visited North Carolina earlier on Friday as part of a push to emphasize his America First agenda for the United States.

Watch the WarRoom coverage of the whole LA event:

Trump visits California fires https://t.co/yRL3aqcWoN

— Bannon’s WarRoom (@Bannons_WarRoom) January 25, 2025

Resource for this report: 

Executive Order signed Jan. 22, 2025 Putting People over Fish: Stopping Radical Environmentalism to Provide Water to Southern

Critical Points Made by President Trump to California government officials and residents at Friday’s meeting:

Expedited Rebuilding:

Trump pledged to expedite the rebuilding process by streamlining federal permits, claiming that under his administration, California would recover faster than if managed by his predecessor, Joe Biden. He emphasized the need to bypass the usual lengthy permit processes to start reconstruction immediately, suggesting that local permits could take up to 18 months without federal intervention.

Criticism of State Policies:

The President criticized California’s environmental regulations and the state’s Democratic leadership, accusing them of being “lunatics” for not supporting voter ID laws and for their ecological policies which he believes exacerbate wildfire risks. He highlighted the need for forest management, particularly vegetation control, to prevent future fires.

Support for Local Efforts:

Trump praised the local response to the fires, especially the firefighters, whom he described as “brave” and “in incredible physical shape.” He also acknowledged the community spirit, noting that every homeowner he spoke to expressed a desire to rebuild on their land.

Water Management:

Addressing water scarcity, Trump proposed an executive order to increase water flow from the North to Southern California, suggesting this would not only aid in fire suppression but also in general water usage for the state. He criticized the current water policies for being inefficient and environmentally misguided.

Insurance and Financial Assistance:

The President touched on the insurance crisis in California, where many residents had lost coverage due to previous regulatory changes. He implied that his administration would work to reform these issues, potentially making insurance more accessible for rebuilding.

Legislative and Legal Reforms:

Trump advocated for legislative reforms, including a “loser pays” system for environmental lawsuits, which he believes would reduce frivolous litigation and speed up necessary projects like fuel reduction to prevent fires.

Community and Economic Recovery:

He encouraged immediate local action for clearing debris, suggesting that residents should be allowed to start rebuilding without waiting for official clearance if they can do so safely. Trump also mentioned potential bonuses for homeowners in terms of building allowances, acknowledging the hardship they’ve endured.