State leaders are relieved as the Trump administration’s threats to eliminate FEMA have dissipated. However, confusion persists about President Trump’s unpredictability in approving or denying disaster declarations, causing uncertainty over federal recovery funds for states. “The foundation at FEMA seems stronger than it did six months ago,” stated Juliette Kayyem, faculty chair of the Homeland Security Project at Harvard University, highlighting the administration’s inconsistency in disaster fund distribution.
Trump has advocated for states to take on greater disaster management responsibilities, suggesting FEMA might eventually disappear. Kristi Noem, a former Homeland Security Secretary, once vowed to dismantle FEMA, reducing its budget and workforce. Recently, Cameron Hamilton was confirmed as FEMA’s administrator, the first permanent leader under Trump’s second term, after Noem’s departure. His leadership is seen as a stabilizing factor for FEMA.
Craig Fugate, former FEMA administrator, remarked, “It’s basically a return to regular order,” noting the restoration of positions and programs cut during previous administration changes. State emergency managers welcome these leadership changes. Lynn Budd, director of the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, expressed optimism about Hamilton’s supportive approach.
The foundation (at FEMA) seems stronger than it did six months ago, but this is an unreliable administration when it comes to the fair and equitable distribution of disaster funds.
– Juliette Kayyem, faculty chair of the Homeland Security Project at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government
FEMA’s stability remains under threat as states grapple with program uncertainties. The agency mandates compliance with Trump’s policies for Homeland Security Grant Program eligibility, prompting legal challenges from states losing vital funds for security threats. The White House did not respond to a request for comment from Stateline.
Trump decisions
Experts cite the lack of clarity in Trump’s disaster approvals as a major challenge. While FEMA has clear criteria for federal aid, Trump has discretion over approvals. Politico found Trump more likely to approve disaster aid for Republican-led states (89%) than Democratic ones (23%). He has overruled recommendations, denying aid to Democratic-led states, often dismissing snow-related disaster requests, arguing states should handle their own snow management.
Fugate noted that Trump’s administration aims to raise aid thresholds, focusing on significant disasters over marginal ones. Despite his reservations, Fugate acknowledged the long-standing debate on shifting disaster relief responsibilities back to states. Emergency managers call for clearer threshold guidelines to prepare for increased state roles.
“There’s never been feedback about why a disaster was denied,” said Budd, emphasizing the need for clarity in disaster declaration processes.
State money
Some states are creating recovery funds in anticipation of reduced FEMA support. Tennessee established a $44.2 million statewide fund, though initially proposed at $100 million by Gov. Bill Lee. State Sen. Jeff Yarbro expressed concerns over the fund’s adequacy, warning against FEMA support cuts. Budd noted other states are considering similar funds and urged the White House to allow time for states to adjust to these changes.
“The very hard part about saying states need to do more is that it cannot happen overnight,” Budd commented, stressing the time needed for legislative and financial adjustments.
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