Trump Considers ‘Getting Rid of FEMA’ During North Carolina Visit/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ During a visit to hurricane-hit North Carolina, President Donald Trump proposed “getting rid of FEMA” and shifting disaster response to individual states. He criticized the federal agency’s efficiency and hinted at signing an executive order to redefine its role. Trump’s visit also included wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles, where his comments on water policies and federal aid stirred political tensions.
Trump’s Disaster Response Overhaul: Quick Looks
- FEMA Criticism: Trump called FEMA “bureaucratic” and suggested eliminating it in favor of state-led disaster management.
- North Carolina Visit: Assessed recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene and met residents assisted by Samaritan’s Purse.
- Wildfire Briefing: Visited Los Angeles, blamed water policies for worsening fires, and floated using federal aid as leverage.
- Climate Denial: Downplayed climate change despite evidence linking it to recent hurricanes and wildfires.
- Political Reactions: Critics accused Trump of politicizing disaster aid and risking inequitable responses.
Side Headlines:
- Trump: “FEMA Just Hasn’t Done the Job”: Calls for state-led disaster response.
- Critics Warn of Chaos: Experts say FEMA elimination could harm vulnerable communities.
- Los Angeles Fires: Trump blames state water policies, stirs debate.
- Hurricane Recovery in Focus: Trump pledges to “fix” lingering issues in North Carolina.
Trump Considers ‘Getting Rid of FEMA’ During North Carolina Visit
Deep Look
FLETCHER, N.C. — President Donald Trump proposed sweeping changes to the federal government’s disaster response system during a visit to hurricane-hit North Carolina on Friday, suggesting he might eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and leave disaster recovery to the states.
“FEMA has been a very big disappointment,” Trump said during a briefing on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. “It’s bureaucratic and slow. Other than that, we’re very happy with them.”
FEMA in the Crosshairs
“Let the states take care of the tornadoes and the hurricanes and all of the other things that happen,” Trump said after landing in Asheville.
Currently, FEMA provides financial assistance to states and residents when disaster recovery exceeds local capacity. Critics of Trump’s proposal warned that shifting responsibility entirely to states could leave vulnerable communities without adequate support.
“You’re going to pick winners and losers on which communities get help,” said Michael Coen, former FEMA chief of staff under the Biden administration. “Americans expect the federal government to be there on their worst day, no matter where they live.”
North Carolina Recovery Efforts
Trump’s visit to North Carolina focused on the lingering impacts of Hurricane Helene, which struck in September 2024. Local residents, including Laurie Carpenter of Newland, expressed frustration over debris and trash still littering the area months later.
“If anybody’s going to do something about it, I think he will,” Carpenter said of Trump’s visit.
The president also met with residents assisted by Samaritan’s Purse, an evangelical humanitarian organization led by Franklin Graham.
Wildfires and Political Tensions in California
Later in the day, Trump traveled to Los Angeles to tour neighborhoods devastated by ongoing wildfires. The Pacific Palisades area, where rows of homes have been reduced to ash, remains under evacuation orders.
Trump reignited controversy by blaming California’s water management policies for worsening the fires, a claim widely disputed by experts.
“I’ll take a look at a fire that could have been put out if they let the water flow, but they didn’t let the water flow,” Trump said.
Members of Congress attended a wildfire briefing with Trump, where tensions flared over the use of federal aid as a bargaining chip.
Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.) criticized Trump’s remarks, calling them “a slap in the face to wildfire victims and first responders.”
Climate Change and Disaster Frequency
The president’s comments on FEMA and California water policies come amid growing evidence linking climate change to the severity of recent natural disasters. Studies show Hurricane Helene’s rainfall was 10% higher due to climate change, while California’s record-dry seasons exacerbated wildfire conditions.
“This is breaking our comfort zone of what is supposed to be normal,” said Amanda Stasiewicz, a climate researcher at the University of Oregon.
Despite the evidence, Trump has consistently downplayed climate change’s role, instead focusing on state policies and federal inefficiencies.
Political Fallout
Trump’s remarks have sparked backlash from both sides of the aisle. Critics argue that eliminating FEMA would jeopardize disaster response and create inequities, as wealthier states are better equipped to handle emergencies independently.
Others see the proposal as a continuation of Trump’s history of politicizing disaster aid. During his first term, he reportedly considered withholding aid from Democratic states and accused Biden-era officials of neglecting Republican areas.
What’s Next?
Trump’s visit to disaster zones comes as his administration signals a broader push to reform FEMA. He appointed Cameron Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL with limited disaster management experience, as acting director, raising concerns about the agency’s future direction.
On Saturday, Trump will head to Las Vegas for a campaign-style rally, where he plans to promote a promise to exclude tips from federal taxes. However, the proposal would require congressional approval to become permanent.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.