US President Donald Trump announced his intention to sign an executive order to restructure or eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Friday. He emphasized that states should receive federal funds to manage natural disasters on their own, rather than relying on FEMA.
Criticism of FEMA’s Response
Trump made these comments during his visit to North Carolina, which was severely impacted by the Hurricane Helene floods in September. He accused FEMA of failing to coordinate emergency relief effectively, stating, “FEMA has turned out to be a disaster.” He further suggested that “FEMA go away,” advocating for state-led disaster management.
Experts Raise Concerns
Experts are skeptical about Trump’s ability to shut down FEMA independently. Rob Verchick, a former official, argued that eliminating FEMA likely requires Congressional approval. FEMA was established by President Jimmy Carter but has been assigned roles and funding by Congress to handle national disaster responses.
FEMA’s Role in Disaster Management
FEMA plays a vital role in disaster response by providing emergency personnel, supplies, and equipment to affected areas. The agency’s funding has increased as extreme weather events have become more frequent. With over 20,000 employees across 10 regional offices, FEMA has been instrumental in disaster recovery, especially during President Biden’s administration.
Project 2025 and FEMA’s Future
The push to dismantle FEMA aligns with Project 2025, a conservative plan associated with Trump’s allies. The plan proposes moving FEMA to another department and shifting responsibility for disaster relief to the states. However, these changes would likely require Congressional action.
Trump’s Critique of Biden’s Hurricane Relief Efforts
Trump also criticized President Biden’s handling of Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in North Carolina. He claimed that Biden did not do enough to help the state, a statement that was rejected as misinformation by the Biden administration. Democratic Representative Deborah Ross from North Carolina defended FEMA, stating, “I appreciate President Trump’s concern about Western NC, but eliminating FEMA would be a disaster for our state.”
Trump’s Visit to California
In addition to his visit to North Carolina, Trump traveled to Los Angeles, where devastating wildfires have been raging. He accused Democratic officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, of incompetence and threatened to withhold disaster aid. Trump claimed that California officials had refused water to fight the fires, a false assertion that Newsom denied.
Criticism of California’s Water Management
Trump also targeted California’s water-sharing policies, which divert water to the ocean instead of using it to fight fires. He argued that this diversion was wasteful. Newsom, however, dismissed Trump’s accusations as unfounded, while investigations into water shortages in certain areas are underway.
Overall, Trump’s visit to North Carolina and California highlighted his continued criticism of FEMA and state disaster relief efforts. As his administration seeks to shift responsibility for managing catastrophes, experts and political figures continue to debate the feasibility and consequences of dismantling FEMA.
