Trump Proposes Overhaul of FEMA Amid Disaster Recovery Efforts
President Donald Trump has proposed significant changes to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including potentially eliminating it, during his visits to disaster-stricken areas in North Carolina and California. Speaking in North Carolina, where communities are still recovering from Hurricane Helene, Trump criticised FEMA as “very bureaucratic” and “very slow,” suggesting that states should take on more responsibility for disaster response. He indicated plans to sign an executive order to overhaul or possibly dismantle the agency, redirecting federal funds directly to states.
In California, Trump toured neighbourhoods devastated by wildfires, pledging federal support while also linking disaster aid to the state’s adoption of voter ID laws. He met with California Governor Gavin Newsom, setting aside past animosities to discuss recovery efforts. Trump emphasised the need for faster permitting processes to rebuild homes and businesses, urging local officials to expedite approvals.
The proposal to eliminate FEMA has raised concerns, particularly in states like Florida, where lawmakers warn that state budgets could not handle the financial burden of major disasters without federal assistance. Experts note that dismantling FEMA would require congressional approval, a move unlikely to gain widespread support.
Trump’s remarks reflect his broader push to reduce federal oversight and shift responsibilities to state governments, a stance that has drawn both criticism and support. As communities in North Carolina and California continue to recover, the future of FEMA and federal disaster response remains uncertain.
Trump proposes 'getting rid of FEMA' while touring disaster areas
President Donald Trump says he is considering “getting rid of” the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
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www.usatoday.com
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In the first official trip of his second term, Trump also threatened to withhold disaster aid to California unless the state enacts a voter ID law.
www.washingtonpost.com