President Donald Trump announced plans to begin “phasing out” the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following the hurricane season, suggesting states would receive reduced federal aid for disaster responses. In a White House briefing, he indicated a shift towards distributing disaster relief funds directly from the president’s office rather than through FEMA, which would mark a significant departure from established protocols. “We’re going to give out less money,” Trump stated, adding that support could come from the Department of Homeland Security.
He noted this transition would occur after the hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November, amid forecasts of an above-normal season with up to 10 hurricanes. Trump’s remarks signal a potential downsizing or outright elimination of FEMA, which operates with an annual budget of about $30 billion and employed over 20,000 individuals before recent layoffs.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem echoed Trump’s sentiments, asserting that FEMA as it currently exists “fundamentally needs to go away.” She emphasized the importance of states collaborating to address disasters independently, establishing mutual aid agreements among themselves, with federal assistance reserved for catastrophic situations requiring funding.
Overall, Trump’s comments highlight a controversial shift in disaster management that could significantly impact the federal response to natural disasters, as many governors may be required to rely more on their own resources in future emergencies.
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