Trump Vows to Overhaul Fema After Hurricane Criticism

Trump Vows to Dismantle FEMA After Hurricane Criticism

President Donald Trump has announced plans to overhaul or eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), citing dissatisfaction with its response to recent hurricanes.

On Friday, during a tour of hurricane-stricken areas in North Carolina, President Trump criticized FEMA’s handling of emergency relief efforts following Hurricane Helene, which caused severe flooding in September. “FEMA has turned out to be a disaster,” Trump stated while observing damaged neighborhoods with downed trees and boarded-up homes. “I think we recommend that FEMA go away.”

Trump suggested that instead of relying on FEMA, federal funds should be given directly to states to manage disaster relief themselves. “States know their needs best,” he remarked. “It’s time to put the power back in their hands.”

Can the President Disband FEMA?

Experts question whether the President has the authority to unilaterally dismantle FEMA. Rob Verchick, a professor at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law and former Environmental Protection Agency official, explained that while FEMA was initially created by executive order under President Jimmy Carter, its roles and funding are assigned by Congress. “Eliminating FEMA would most likely require Congressional action,” Verchick noted.

FEMA plays a critical role in coordinating emergency personnel, supplies, and equipment to aid recovery from natural disasters. The agency operates 10 regional offices and employs over 20,000 people across the United States. In recent years, its funding has increased due to a rise in extreme weather events.

Political Reactions

Democratic leaders have expressed concern over Trump’s proposal. U.S. Representative Deborah Ross of North Carolina emphasized FEMA’s importance in her state’s recovery efforts. “I appreciate President Trump’s concern about Western NC, but eliminating FEMA would be a disaster for our state,” she posted on social media platform X.

The Biden administration, which managed FEMA during the past four years, defended the agency’s performance, dismissing Trump’s accusations as misinformation. They highlighted FEMA’s role in supporting communities affected by natural disasters nationwide.

A Week of Rapid Changes

Since reclaiming the presidency on Monday, President Trump has moved swiftly on several campaign promises. His actions include initiatives on immigration, reducing the federal workforce, altering energy and environmental policies, addressing gender and diversity issues, and pardoning individuals convicted for the events of January 6, 2021.

Trump is scheduled to visit Los Angeles next, where ongoing wildfires have caused widespread destruction. The state’s emergency services are battling three massive blazes that continue to threaten the region.

Additionally, the U.S. military has begun deporting detained migrants as part of what the White House describes as “the largest massive deportation operation in history.” Military aircraft are being used to expedite the process.

Future of Disaster Management

The proposal to overhaul FEMA raises questions about the future of disaster management in the United States. Shifting responsibility to states may lead to variations in how disasters are handled, potentially impacting the speed and effectiveness of relief efforts.

As extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change, the debate over federal versus state control of disaster response is likely to intensify. Communities affected by natural disasters will be watching closely to see how these proposed changes unfold.

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