Trump Plans to Cut FEMA Funding After Hurricane Season

• Trump plans to reduce FEMA funding after the hurricane season, which may increase state responsibilities.
• Experts warn of potential consequences for disaster response funding due to reduced federal support.
• The hurricane season is forecasted to be "above normal," highlighting the need for effective local disaster management.

This was reported by Associated Press, NBC News.

Trump's Plans for FEMA

President Donald Trump announced plans to initiate a "phased reduction" of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after the 2025 hurricane season. According to him, states will receive less federal assistance for disaster response.

Trump noted that he plans to allocate funds for disaster relief directly from the President’s office. "We will be giving out less money," he stated during a briefing at the White House.

Changes in Funding

Experts believe that the reduction in FEMA funding could lead to increased state responsibilities in providing post-disaster services. Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristen Nimm express a desire to radically change or even eliminate this 46-year-old agency.

Experts warn that the complete elimination of FEMA would leave gaps in essential services and funding. "This raises concerns about how states should plan for the future if the federal government is not supporting them," stated Michael Cohen, former chief of staff at FEMA.

Impact on States

A decrease in the number of major disasters declared or a reduction in federal support could create a financial burden for states. Sara McTarnaghan, a leading researcher at the Urban Institute, noted that many states will not have enough funds to cope with the consequences of the federal government stepping back from its traditional role in post-disaster recovery.

Hurricane Situation

The hurricane season officially began on June 1 and will last until November. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts that this year’s season will be "above normal" with the possibility of up to 10 hurricanes.

Trump emphasized that governors should be able to manage disaster situations independently. "If they can’t handle the consequences, then maybe they shouldn’t be governors," he said. Nimm also noted that FEMA has already made changes in its operations, including suspending a program that helped victims receive assistance.

Next Steps

FEMA, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, has already undergone changes, including staff layoffs. Trump has not approved any assistance requests since February, and many requests remain unresolved.

The agency plans to present reform proposals in the coming months, and according to Nimm, Trump is seeking significant changes in how FEMA operates.

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