Trump proposes 10% bonus for California rebuilders

(The Center Square) - President Donald Trump on Wednesday proposed a 10% bonus for residents in Los Angeles County who are rebuilding after deadly wildfires. The president suggested several changes to override state and local permits as residents rebuild. Trump offered Lee Zeldin, EPA administrator, a new role to lead efforts in overriding state and local rebuilding permits. His offer follows an executive order announced on Tuesday to expedite permits and remove state and local delays in Los Angeles County, as reported previously by The Center Square. “Now, more than a year later, they don’t have permits,” Trump said. “Almost no one is building.” In January 2025, the Palisades Fire struck the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, as well as nearby Malibu and Topanga Canyon. The fire killed 12 people, burned 23,448 acres and destroyed 6,837 buildings. Additionally, the Eaton Fire killed 17 people, burned 14,021 acres and destroyed 9,418 structures further inland in the Pasadena