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The administration of former President Trump is reportedly considering the elimination of the disaster relief organization known as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem allegedly communicated this intention during a Cabinet meeting held recently.
Noem stated that her department would take steps to “eliminate” FEMA, as reported by Semafor along with other media outlets reporting on the issue.
The Independent has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for a response regarding Noem’s comments.
The assertion that FEMA could be disbanded has raised significant concern among lawmakers and disaster response advocates.
Senator Pete Welch of Vermont, a Democrat, expressed his alarm over the proposed move, stating, “The Trump Administration’s grand plan for victims of natural disasters is to abandon them — and it’s a complete non-starter.” He added that dismantling FEMA would have dire consequences for disaster-stricken communities across the country.
This threat emerges amidst reports of devastating wildfires affecting parts of North and South Carolina.
The feasibility of eliminating FEMA is questionable, as the agency is established by federal law. Nonetheless, it aligns with ongoing criticisms from the White House about the agency’s operations.
Should the administration decide to eliminate FEMA, congressional approval would be necessary.
In a bipartisan effort, Representatives Jared Moskowitz (D) and Byron Donalds (R) have put forth legislation aimed at restructuring FEMA into an independent agency at the Cabinet level.
Meanwhile, some Republicans have voiced their opposition to eliminating the agency. Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana stated earlier this year, “FEMA can’t go away… the federal government’s primary responsibility is to protect people and property.”
Criticism directed at FEMA by the administration has included claims of inefficiency and allegations that the agency misallocated disaster funds to accommodate immigrants.
During a previous statement, Trump mentioned, “If they get hit with a tornado or something, let Oklahoma fix it… then the federal government can help them with the money. FEMA is getting in the way of everything.”
Trump has a history of making unsubstantiated claims regarding the federal disaster response, including assertions that certain political figures failed to assist affected areas post-disasters.
Since assuming office, Trump has issued executive orders focused on revising FEMA’s operational framework and advocating for a “National Resilience Strategy.” He believes local authorities are better equipped to assess their disaster preparedness needs compared to federal bureaucrats.
Additionally, reports have surfaced indicating that FEMA has been instructed to evaluate disaster relief programs that may unintentionally benefit undocumented immigrants.
Concerns are also mounting regarding potential workforce reductions within FEMA as Secretary Noem is expected to approve numerous temporary positions to prevent layoffs.
Experts in disaster management have cautioned that dismantling FEMA could significantly harm emergency response efforts, particularly in lower-income states vulnerable to natural disasters.
Samantha Montano, a disaster response scholar, noted that such a move would have devastating consequences, particularly for financially strained states that lack sufficient resources to respond independently to disasters.
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