Los Angeles: President Trump proposed shutting down FEMA during visits to disaster-stricken areas in North Carolina and California. His visits came shortly after assuming office and highlighted his focus on disaster management. North Carolina was devastated by Hurricane Helene, while California faced catastrophic wildfires. Trump criticized FEMA’s performance, claiming it mishandled disaster response efforts.
State Responsibility Emphasized
During his tour of a North Carolina neighborhood affected by Hurricane Helene, Trump called FEMA a “disaster.” He suggested redirecting federal disaster funds directly to states for better efficiency in handling emergencies. California’s wildfire response was another target of Trump’s criticism. Despite past clashes with Governor Gavin Newsom, Trump pledged federal aid and cooperation.
Clashes with California Officials
In Los Angeles, Trump met Governor Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, sparking heated discussions about disaster management strategies. Trump pressed Bass to expedite debris removal, emphasizing property owners’ rights. Bass prioritized safety, while Representative Brad Sherman commended FEMA’s efforts in addressing the crisis. Trump appointed former ambassador Richard Grenell to assist with California’s fire response.
Debate Over Water and Resources
Trump repeated claims that California officials mismanaged water resources, affecting early firefighting efforts. Pacific Palisades experienced water shortages that left hydrants dry, slowing initial fire suppression. Officials explained the hydrants were not built to handle such extensive fires. Investigations are underway into why a key reservoir was left empty for a year.
Challenges in Shutting FEMA
Experts doubt Trump’s ability to eliminate FEMA without Congressional approval. FEMA, created under President Carter, has congressional funding. The agency plays a vital role in deploying emergency personnel and resources to disaster zones. FEMA employs over 20,000 people across the country through its ten regional offices.
Calls for Reform Persist
Trump’s allies in Project 2025 recommended merging FEMA with other departments or overhauling its disaster assistance criteria. Critics argued such changes would increase states’ financial burden during emergencies. FEMA funding has grown due to rising extreme weather events requiring broader disaster assistance. Proponents of FEMA argue for its critical role in emergency recovery.
Mixed Reactions to Proposals
Democratic Representative Deborah Ross of North Carolina rejected the idea of dismantling FEMA, praising its contributions to hurricane recovery. Trump accused former President Biden of insufficient aid to Western North Carolina, an accusation the Biden administration labeled misinformation. Trump’s comments reignited debates on federal and state disaster response responsibilities.
Swift Actions Reflect Campaign Pledges
Trump’s visits concluded a busy week of executive actions fulfilling campaign promises on immigration, energy, and diversity policies. His disaster response strategy, however, faced scrutiny amid promises to reassess federal disaster management. Observers anticipate further announcements on FEMA reforms or restructuring as extreme weather challenges persist.
