California Governor Gavin Newsom has requested nearly $40 billion in federal aid from Congress to assist Los Angeles in recovering from devastating wildfires, potentially the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history.
At a Glance
- Newsom seeks $40 billion in federal aid for Los Angeles wildfire recovery
- Fires destroyed over 16,250 structures and caused 29 fatalities
- Economic impact could reach $164 billion
- Trump administration may attach conditions to aid package
- Debris removal and rebuilding efforts underway
Devastating Wildfires Prompt Massive Aid Request
In the wake of catastrophic wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles County earlier this year, California Governor Gavin Newsom has requested nearly $40 billion in federal aid from Congress – and the federal government. The fires, which began on January 7 during a severe Santa Ana storm, burned through 37,469 acres and claimed 29 lives, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
The Palisades and Eaton fires, considered potentially the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history, destroyed at least 16,250 structures across areas including Palisades, Malibu, and Altadena. The scale of the devastation has prompted Governor Newsom to seek substantial federal assistance to aid in the monumental task of rebuilding and recovery.
🚨🇺🇸NEWSOM ASKS CONGRESS FOR $40 BILLION IN WILDFIRE AID
California Gov. Newsom is asking Congress for nearly $40 billion to help Los Angeles recover from January’s devastating wildfires, which could be the costliest disaster in U.S. history with losses estimated at $250… https://t.co/CeIljVrAJ4 pic.twitter.com/JeWgwLHZ9g
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 23, 2025
But Newsom knows he could have stopped this…had he just done his job, looked out for his state, and taken forest management more seriously. But here we are.
Breakdown of the Aid Package
The funding request submitted by Governor Newsom is comprehensive, addressing various aspects of the recovery process. It includes $16.8 billion from FEMA for rebuilding property and infrastructure, $5 billion for debris cleanup, $9.9 billion from HUD for grants, $5.29 billion from the SBA for loans, and $4.32 billion in recovery grants from the EDA. This multi-faceted approach aims to tackle the enormous challenge of rebuilding and restoring affected communities.
“It’s going to take an all-hands-on-deck approach to rebuild from the devastating fires in LA,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said. “I’m asking Congress to have the back of the American people and provide disaster funding to help Californians recover and rebuild as soon as possible.”
The total economic impact of the fires could reach as high as $164 billion, a staggering figure that underscores the urgent need for federal assistance. Insurance claims from the fires have already exceeded 8,700, totaling around $1 billion, with experts warning that it may take years to fully assess the complete financial toll of this disaster.
As the state awaits a response from Congress, recovery efforts are still in motion – and many homeowners are still being blocked from completing the work they need to do to recover their properties. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun clearing wildfire-damaged properties in Malibu as part of Phase 2 of debris removal, following the EPA’s completion of Phase 1 hazardous waste clearance. An interactive viewer has been made available for fire victims to track updates on debris removal, providing a measure of transparency and hope for those affected.
“Los Angeles is one of the most economically productive places on the globe, but it can only rebound and flourish with support from the federal government as it recovers from this unprecedented disaster,” Gavin Newsom said.
Authorities have set an ambitious timeline, aiming to clear all eligible properties enrolled by March 31 for rebuilding by January 2026. Residents affected by the wildfires are being encouraged to submit Right of Entry (ROE) forms to authorize debris removal, a crucial step in the recovery process.
