Kristi Noem, Trump officials consider limiting FEMA’s role in disaster recovery

• FEMA’s role in long-term disaster recovery could be reduced by Oct. 1 as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem explores changes to the agency’s involvement. Noem is also considering cuts to FEMA’s grant programs and rebuilding efforts following discussions with other Trump officials.
• A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson said Noem aims to reduce waste, fraud and abuse within the department.
• Bipartisan lawmakers have introduced a bill to make FEMA an independent agency that would report directly to the president.

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Before the end of the year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) could see its role in long-term disaster recovery efforts diminished. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is speaking with other Trump officials to scale back FEMA’s involvement across the country by Oct. 1, according to sources who spoke anonymously to Politico.

On Tuesday, March 25, Noem informed the administration that she is considering changes to FEMA’s grant programs and long-term rebuilding funding. This follows a cabinet meeting on Monday, March 24. During the meeting, Noem stated plans to eliminate the agency, which currently operates on a budget of $33 billion for the fiscal year without factoring in additional emergency funds.

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A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson said Noem’s efforts aim to reduce waste, fraud and abuse within the department.

FEMA’s criticism

As hurricane season rapidly approaches in the Atlantic Ocean, the Democratic National Committee has raised concerns about FEMA’s preparedness.

The committee described it as a crucial time for the agency to prepare for potential disaster destruction, saying President Donald Trump and “shadow President” Elon Musk have chosen to defund FEMA as their next target, just as communities across the country await millions of dollars in aid.

FEMA’s future has been uncertain since Trump returned to the White House. The president has publicly criticized the agency, citing its high costs and slow response times and arguing that states should take the lead on disaster management. An executive order signed by Trump on March 19 directs state and local governments to take a more active role in disaster preparedness.

Public feedback on FEMA

In January, Trump created a review council to gather public feedback on FEMA’s performance. Since a notice requesting responses was issued on Wednesday, March 26, dozens of Americans have shared their thoughts on the agency’s role in disaster recovery.

Some commenters believe FEMA is essential and should not be defunded. One commenter shared their personal experience, stating they didn’t receive the help they needed during storms in Maine despite applying and contacting FEMA for assistance.

Another commenter, who has worked with FEMA under several presidents, expressed support for the agency but argued it should operate independently rather than reporting to DHS.

Bipartisan lawmakers on Capitol Hill echoed this sentiment and introduced a bill to make FEMA an independent agency. Under the proposed legislation, FEMA would report directly to the president rather than the Department of Homeland Security.

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FEMA’s history

President Jimmy Carter established FEMA in 1979 to oversee both emergency management and civil defense. Following the 2001 terrorist attacks, President George W. Bush’s administration incorporated FEMA and 21 other agencies into the Department of Homeland Security.

As discussions continue, there has been no final decision on whether FEMA will lose its functions or undergo a departmental shift.