President Donald Trump announced plans to take executive action to potentially overhaul or dismantle the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). His decision comes amid sharp criticism of FEMA's response to severe flooding in North Carolina. Trump, addressing reporters upon his arrival in Asheville, North Carolina, suggested that future aid for disaster-stricken areas like North Carolina and California should bypass FEMA and flow directly from the federal government.
North Carolina recently suffered devastating impacts from Hurricane Helene in September. While speaking on an airport tarmac in Asheville, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with FEMA's handling of the situation. He proposed a new direction in managing federal disaster response, emphasizing a more direct approach from the federal government to the states.
"I like, frankly, the concept [that] when North Carolina gets hit, the governor takes care of it. When Florida gets hit, the governor takes care of it, meaning the state takes care of it," Trump stated during a briefing in Asheville.
The president also indicated his intention to visit Los Angeles, where wildfires continue to ravage large areas of the city. Trump's visit aims to assess the situation and discuss the potential reallocation of federal aid directly to affected states. The wildfires in Los Angeles have caused significant destruction, prompting urgent discussions on effective disaster management.
"So rather than going through FEMA, it will go through us," Trump added, highlighting a shift towards direct federal assistance.
Trump's contemplation of FEMA's role marks a critical point in U.S. emergency management strategy. He expressed a desire to rethink FEMA's purpose and efficiency, suggesting that his administration is considering major reforms.
"I think we're going to recommend that FEMA go away," Trump stated, signaling a possible end to the agency as it currently operates.
As Trump prepares for his visit to California on Friday, his planned executive action regarding FEMA is anticipated to evoke significant discussion among policymakers and emergency management officials. The proposed changes aim to streamline federal aid distribution and improve response times to natural disasters.