Overview

• President Trump approved Gov. Greg Abbott’s major disaster declaration request on July 5, unlocking FEMA support for Texas recovery while deploying just 86 personnel.
• White House spokespersons have signaled an ongoing policy review on FEMA’s fate, emphasizing aid will flow through federal or state channels without confirming plans to dismantle the agency.
• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s July memo grants her authority to approve all FEMA contracts and grants over $100,000, consolidating control within DHS.
• FEMA has faced leadership upheaval, staff reductions and frozen funds since January, contributing to operational delays reported by internal sources.
• Disaster experts and former FEMA officials warn that states lack the capacity to manage large-scale responses without the agency’s coordination, especially as hurricane season approaches.