Rod Rosenstein to Resign and Trump Threatens to Withhold FEMA Funds For CA. Fires

Report: Rod Rosenstein expected to resign once new AG confirmed 

 Marisa Fernandez

Axios

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein has communicated to the White House and President Trump that he plans to leave office once William Barr is confirmed as attorney general, ABC News, and CNN report. 

The big picture: There is no indication Rosenstein is being forced out by the Trump administration, ABC writes. In September, Rosenstein offered his resignation after reports surfaced that he suggested the 25th Amendment be invoked. 

Axios 

Trump threatens to end FEMA funds for California wildfires President Trump threatened to cut off FEMA funding for California's wildfire relief in a Wednesday tweet, blaming the state's poor land management. 

"Billions of dollars are sent to the State of California for Forrest fires that, with proper Forrest Management, would never happen. Unless they get their act together, which is unlikely, I have ordered FEMA to send no more money. It is a disgraceful situation in lives & money!"

Our thought bubble from Axios science editor Andrew Freedman: Climate change is extending wildfire season year-round and increasing the frequency of extreme fires that spread quickly and are harder to contain. Forest management, including "raking" brush, which President Trump has previously advocated, would not reduce the risk, fire experts have told Axios.