The first full draft of the assessment, on the state of America’s land, water and wildlife, was weeks from completion. The project leader called the study “too important to die.”

The president, who has assailed California’s leaders over wildfires, issued the directive in an executive order that was dated Friday but released on Sunday.

The president, who has assailed California’s leaders over wildfires, issued the directive in an executive order that was dated Friday but released on Sunday.

President Trump has blamed a lack of water during the Los Angeles fires on California decisions that benefit a small fish. Yet experts say he’s confusing different issues.