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Trump Orders FEMA Review, Suggests Possible Overhaul or Elimination

The president's executive order establishes a council to evaluate FEMA's efficiency, priorities, and alleged political bias, with recommendations expected within six months.

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FILE PHOTO: Swannanoa resident Lucy Bickers, who received assistance from FEMA after Hurricane Helene damaged her property, holds a sign in support of the government agency as she waits on the route of visiting U.S. President Donald Trump's motorcade in Swannanoa, North Carolina, U.S., January 24, 2025. (REUTERS/Jonathan Drake/File Photo)

Overview

  • President Trump signed an executive order creating a FEMA Review Council to assess the agency's effectiveness and propose potential reforms or structural changes.
  • The council, co-chaired by the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense, will include up to 20 members and deliver a report within 180 days of its first meeting.
  • Trump has criticized FEMA for inefficiency, high costs, and alleged political bias, including claims that relief workers avoided homes supporting his campaign.
  • FEMA, which operates under the Department of Homeland Security, is currently managing over 100 major disaster responses and has faced resource strain due to increasing climate-related events.
  • Eliminating FEMA would require congressional action, and experts warn that shifting disaster response to states could leave smaller or less-resourced states vulnerable.