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The White House·

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Advances Wildfire Suppression

  • President Donald J. Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum to exempt federal firefighting activities, including aerial fire retardant use, from Clean Water Act permitting.
  • The exemption aims to protect communities & natural resources during the 2027 fire season despite an adverse district court decision requiring permits.
  • Previous regulatory hurdles prevented the U.S. Forest Service from securing necessary permits for aerial retardant deployment.
  • The Memorandum fulfills permitting requirements for one year to ensure wildland firefighters have essential tools to control fires.
  • Previous actions include 2025 legislation improving funding for the U.S. Forest Service & Department of the Interior to separate prevention funds from suppression costs.
  • A March 2025 Executive Order increased domestic timber production & streamlined policies to enhance forest management & reduce wildfire risks.
  • Another March 2025 Executive Order empowered states, localities, & citizens to prepare for wildfires & other incidents.
  • The June 2026 National Resilience Strategy established a risk-informed posture based on federalism & modernization.
  • A June 2025 Executive Order aimed to return common sense to wildfire prevention & response protocols.
  • A January 2026 Executive Order expedited reconstruction in Pacific Palisades & Eaton Canyon after fires destroyed nearly 40,000 acres of homes & businesses.