Trump Orders FEMA Review, Considers Overhaul or Elimination After Visiting Disaster Areas

Jan 26, 2025, 10:30 PM

President Donald Trump has issued an executive order establishing a review council to evaluate the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), signaling a potential overhaul or even elimination of the agency. This move comes after Trump's recent visits to disaster-stricken areas in California and North Carolina, where he expressed dissatisfaction with FEMA's performance. During his tour of regions affected by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and wildfires in California, Trump criticized FEMA as bureaucratic and slow, suggesting that disaster aid should be provided directly from the federal government to the states. He also mentioned the possibility of states taking primary responsibility for disaster response, bypassing FEMA entirely. The review council, composed of federal leaders and distinguished individuals selected by Trump, is tasked with holding its first public meeting within 90 days and submitting a report within 180 days. Trump's executive order raises concerns about political bias within FEMA and the use of its funds for programs related to incoming migrants.