US EditionCommunication between FEMA and local jurisdictions upended, officials say
- Recent changes at FEMA include barring Washington state emergency officials from contacting traditional agency contacts and altering local interaction procedures.
- These changes stem from President Trump's push for centralized FEMA control and cutbacks to equity programs amid staffing losses and program cancellations.
- Officials warn the communication breakdown risks disrupting local disaster readiness in high-threat areas like the Cascadia Subduction Zone and flood-prone regions.
- FEMA staffing dropped by about one-third since 2024, more than $100 billion in aid remains frozen, and 70% of disaster aid requests were denied during recent wildfires.
- The recent changes raise concerns about FEMA's ability to effectively collaborate with local officials in preparing for, addressing, and recovering from increasingly frequent disasters.
18 Articles
18 Articles
FEMA was starting to fix long-standing problems. Then came the Trump administration
Recent fixes to long-standing problems at the Federal Emergency Management Agency are in jeopardy as the Trump administration slashes programs and cuts staff, emergency experts warn.FEMA has been plagued for decades by accusations that it fails to help the most vulnerable victims of disasters. Poor people, racial minorities and those who live in rural and tribal areas have been chronically ignored or denied crucial help after disasters, with lon…
South Dakota Searchlight
Black Hills PioneerRhoden creates disaster preparedness task force as Trump cuts FEMA
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden speaks to the media during a press conference on March 13, 2025, at the Capitol in Pierre. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)Republican South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed an executive order this week to plan for future disasters as the Trump administration works to shift the responsibility for disaster relief to state and local entities. “We pray that the most challenging circumstances will never arise,…
'FEMA didn't get the memo': Chaos reported in White House response to disasters
Sources revealed a troubling pattern in Donald Trump's second term that has resulted in chaos and delays in approving disaster relief funds.Current and former officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency say communication and coordination with the White House and agency leaders has dwindle...
The White House is approving disaster relief funds without notifying FEMA, leading to delays and confusion
In early April, President Donald Trump approved millions of dollars in assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Virginia, which was reeling from devastating winter storms and flooding. Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, issued a press release touting the president’s decision to sign his disaster declaration request, and local news outlets began reporting that funding would soon be flowing to the state.
King5 News
Krem2 NewsCommunication between FEMA and local jurisdictions upended, officials say
Federal changes from the Trump administration will limit Washington state officials' direct contact with FEMA, potentially hindering disaster preparedness.
BLK ALERTS - FEMA was starting to fix long-standing problems. Then came the Trump administration
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has a long history of failing to help those who need assistance the most after disasters. Biden-era changes meant to fix some of those problems now face an uncertain future. (Image credit: Noah Berger)
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