• President Donald Trump announced plans to overhaul or abolish FEMA, criticizing its response to Hurricane Helene and calling it bureaucratic and ineffective.
• Trump proposed decentralizing disaster response, suggesting federal aid be distributed directly to states instead of through FEMA.
• Critics argue eliminating FEMA could hinder national coordination and resource mobilization during large-scale disasters.
• Dismantling FEMA would likely require congressional approval, which faces significant political hurdles due to Trump’s lack of a filibuster-proof Senate majority.
• Trump linked federal aid for California wildfires to policy changes, such as implementing voter ID laws, sparking accusations of politicizing disaster relief.

President Donald Trump has ended his weeklong tour of disaster-stricken regions in the United States by announcing a plan to either overhaul or outright eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Speaking in Fletcher, North Carolina, on Jan. 24, Trump criticized FEMA’s response to Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm that devastated the southeastern United States in September 2024. The hurricane caused over 200 fatalities, left tens of billions of dollars in damage and exposed what Trump called systemic failures in federal disaster response.

“FEMA has really let us down,” Trump said, arguing that the agency is too bureaucratic, slow and ill-equipped to handle modern disasters.

He suggested that states should take the lead in disaster response, with federal aid being distributed directly to state governments rather than through FEMA.

“I think we’re going to recommend that FEMA go away, and we pay directly to the state,” Trump stated. (Related: HURRICANE HELENE MYSTERY: Weather modification, climate intervention and the planned destruction of a region for the U.S. government’s pilfering of natural resources.)

This proposal marks a dramatic shift in federal emergency management policy. FEMA, established in 1979 under recently deceased former President Jimmy Carter, has long been the primary federal agency responsible for coordinating disaster relief efforts. It provides funding, resources and personnel to assist states and local governments during emergencies. However, Trump’s comments suggest a preference for decentralizing disaster response, placing more responsibility on state governments while reducing the federal government’s role.

Trump wants to give powers for disaster response to states and local governments

Critics of Trump’s plan argue that eliminating FEMA could undermine national coordination during large-scale disasters. FEMA’s regional offices and 20,000 employees play a critical role in mobilizing resources across state lines, especially during events like hurricanes, wildfires and floods that often overwhelm local capabilities. Without FEMA, states might struggle to access the expertise, funding and logistical support needed to respond effectively to catastrophic events.

Trump’s proposal also raises questions about the feasibility of dismantling FEMA. While the president can issue executive orders to reorganize federal agencies, eliminating FEMA entirely would likely require congressional approval.

Under the Presidential Reorganization Act, Trump would need authorization from both the House and Senate to dissolve the agency. Given Trump’s lack of a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, such a move is unlikely to pass.

During his visit to North Carolina, Trump pledged immediate federal aid to rebuild communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.

“I will ensure that North Carolina gets the resources it needs to come back bigger, better and stronger than ever before,” he said.

Trump’s criticism of FEMA extended to California, where he visited areas affected by ongoing wildfires. He blamed state policies for exacerbating the crisis, particularly California’s water management practices, which prioritize environmental protections over immediate disaster response.

“If they release the water, they wouldn’t have had a problem,” Trump said, referring to the state’s decision to allow water runoff into the Pacific Ocean. He also set conditions for federal aid, requiring California to implement a voter ID law and redirect water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

These remarks drew sharp criticism from California officials, who accused Trump of politicizing disaster relief. Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass defended their handling of the wildfires, emphasizing the unprecedented scale of the disaster. Bass also praised FEMA’s work, highlighting the agency’s role in coordinating relief efforts.

Watch this video featuring Rep. Tim Burchett discussing how he supports Trump’s proposal to “clean house” at FEMA.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighton.com.

More related stories:

FEMA mysteriously stages 350 semi-trucks of “equipment” at closed air force base in Michigan.

FEMA official fired over leaked memo telling government aid workers to “avoid Trump houses” after Hurricane Milton.

FEMAGATE: A shocking display of weaponization of the U.S. government against conservatives.

FEMA’s real purpose: Suppressing Americans and preventing civilian organization.

FEMA under fire: Critics claim agency actively hinders Hurricane Helene relief efforts.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

NBCNews.com

Reuters.com

Brighteon.com