During a visit to Fletcher, North Carolina, on January 24, President Donald Trump suggested dismantling or significantly reforming the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The remarks were made during a briefing on recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread damage in the region.
Trump criticized FEMA’s response and questioned its efficiency, saying: “FEMA is being a very big disappointment.
“They cost a tremendous amount of money. It’s very bureaucratic, and it’s very slow. Other than that, we’re very happy with them, okay?”
He proposed a shift in disaster recovery responsibilities to state governments, with federal funds supporting local efforts.
The president later visited Asheville, where he met residents assisted by Samaritan’s Purse, a relief organization led by Franklin Graham.
Trump’s comments sparked discussions about FEMA’s role in managing disasters across the country.
President Trump’s dissatisfaction with FEMA has been a recurring theme, citing what he sees as bureaucratic inefficiencies and past failures.
On January 26, President Trump issued an executive order to create a review council tasked with evaluating the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The council, which will consist of federal officials and selected individuals outside of government, is directed to assess the agency’s operations and provide recommendations for its future.
The order requires the council to hold its first public meeting within 90 days and submit a report to the president within 180 days of the initial meeting.
This move follows Trump’s comments during visits to disaster-affected areas in North Carolina and California, where he criticized FEMA’s performance and floated the idea of overhauling or shuttering the agency.
Trump stated that FEMA had faced “serious concerns” about political bias and allegations of misusing funds for programs involving migrants.
These claims have contributed to his push for significant changes in how the federal government handles disaster response.
FEMA’s acting administrator, Cam Hamilton, reassured staff in a letter, stating: “FEMA is a critical agency which performs an essential mission in support of our national security.”
According to FEMA’s daily operations briefing, the agency is currently managing 108 major disasters, with only 17% of its disaster-response workforce available.
Although Congress allocated $29 billion to FEMA in December for ongoing recovery efforts, Trump argued that these funds could be better used if given directly to states.
The agency’s reputation has suffered over the years due to its response to disasters such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Maria in 2017, leading to debates about its role and effectiveness.
Following his North Carolina visit, Trump traveled to California to assess wildfire damage in Los Angeles.
During his visit, he pledged to collaborate with Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass while reiterating his belief that state governments should lead disaster recovery efforts.
Trump also criticized FEMA’s handling of disaster responses, stating that its involvement often leads to delays and inefficiencies.
The California wildfires, which have displaced thousands and caused extensive damage, highlighted the challenges FEMA faces in managing simultaneous disasters.
Despite the criticism, FEMA continues to provide aid and coordinate resources in wildfire-affected areas.
The agency’s workforce and resources remain stretched thin as it responds to multiple ongoing disasters nationwide.
FEMA has faced increasing scrutiny as demand for its services grows with the rise in extreme weather events.
Established in 1979 and integrated into the Department of Homeland Security in 2004, the agency plays a vital role in coordinating federal disaster responses.
Although FEMA received additional funding in December, it has not yet secured resources to reimburse states for recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.
A FEMA spokesperson confirmed that no new funding has been allocated under the current administration.
FEMA also faces public skepticism fueled by disinformation campaigns.
The agency has set up a rumor response page on its website to debunk false claims, including accusations of misusing disaster funds.
FEMA’s leadership continues to emphasize its mission amid ongoing challenges and criticism.
During visits to North Carolina and California, President Donald Trump proposed significant reforms to or the closure of FEMA, citing inefficiencies and past failures in disaster recovery efforts.
Trump also signed an executive order to establish a review council for FEMA operations.
Critics of FEMA have highlighted its struggles during major disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Maria.
Meanwhile, FEMA continues to manage 108 active disaster responses with limited workforce capacity and constrained funding.
