President Donald Trump visited Asheville, North Carolina, to assess the recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, which caused significant flooding in the region. During a disaster briefing, Trump criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for its response to the disaster. He indicated his intention to take executive action to potentially overhaul or eliminate the agency, suggesting that disaster management should be handled at the state level rather than by a federal agency.
Trump expressed his belief that state governors should be primarily responsible for disaster response. He stated, "When North Carolina gets hit, the governor takes care of it. When Florida gets hit, the governor takes care of it," arguing that FEMA's involvement often complicates recovery efforts. He proposed that federal disaster aid could be distributed directly to states, bypassing FEMA entirely.
These remarks align with the conservative policy initiative known as Project 2025, which advocates for reducing federal oversight in disaster management and increasing state responsibility. Trump's comments follow a history of criticism directed at the Biden administration regarding its handling of disaster relief.
As Trump prepared to travel to Los Angeles, where wildfires were affecting the city, he reiterated his commitment to ensuring that affected communities receive necessary federal assistance, despite his plans to change how that aid is administered. He has yet to present a formal proposal to reform FEMA or disaster relief policies, a point noted by various former FEMA leaders who suggest that while states may desire more control, they also seek continued federal support.