FEMA Denies Illinois' Request for Major Disaster Declaration After August Storms: Gov. Pritzker
Illinois will appeal after FEMA said the damage from August storms in eight counties did not warrant federal individual or public assistance.
- President Donald Trump's Federal Emergency Management Agency denied Illinois' request for a major disaster declaration on Thursday following severe August storms that devastated eight counties.
- Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker announced his office will appeal the decision, which covered damage across eight counties including Cook and Will that experienced derechos, flooding, and tornadoes.
- Analysis shows Trump approved 80% of disaster requests from Republican governors but only about 60% from Democratic states, fueling accusations that the administration politicizes federal disaster relief.
- While Indiana received a disaster declaration for the same August storms, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle pledged $8 million to continue local debris removal efforts.
- Reports throughout 2026 suggest these rejections cast a shadow over the federal disaster-response system, as critics allege the president has bent the process to serve political ends.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Illinois denied federal disaster aid after August storms; Pritzker blasts Trump decision
The storms are over but the fight over who helps pay for the damage is heating up. The Trump administration has denied Illinois' request for federal disaster aid following August's severe weather. Now, Gov. Pritzker is accusing the president of playing politics.
Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker blasts Trump’s disaster denial - Regional Media News
(The Center Square) - Gov. J.B. Pritzker says Illinois will appeal a decision by the Trump administration to deny the state's request for a major disaster declaration for eight counties impacted by severe storms in August. A statement from Pritzker's office said the president continues [...]
Block Club Chicago
Terre Haute Tribune-StarTrump Administration Denies Illinois’ Request For Disaster Relief
The state sought FEMA's help after days of severe weather in and around the Chicago area in August.
Trump administration denies Illinois’ request for disaster relief — again – Capitol News IL – Wirepoints
FEMA granted Indiana’s request Aug. 25 for federal help following the same Aug. 11 storm which left many Illinois residents just across the state line without power for weeks. It’s the third time FEMA has denied a request from Illinois since Trump took office again in 2025.
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