‘Closing the chapter’ on Fema: Trump panel seeks to weaken disaster response amid climate crisis
Summary
President Donald Trump’s administration is planning major changes to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), aiming to reduce federal disaster spending and move more responsibility to state and local governments. A council appointed by President Trump recommended that FEMA take a smaller, supporting role in disaster response amid growing concerns about the increasing impact of extreme weather caused by climate change.Key Facts
- President Trump criticized FEMA as too expensive and ineffective, making agency changes a priority in his second term.
- A FEMA Review Council released a report recommending that disaster response be led locally and at state or tribal levels, with the federal government in a support role.
- The council’s report suggests stricter rules for getting federal disaster aid and limits on financial assistance to affected residents.
- Experts warn these changes may weaken the nation’s ability to respond to disasters as climate change increases extreme weather events.
- Small local governments often lack the resources and expertise to manage disaster responses without federal help.
- The report proposes 150 actions to redefine FEMA’s role and reduce federal spending on disaster declarations and aid.
- Critics say the reforms overlook the growing challenges faced by emergency management systems.
- The committee is led by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
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