
A potential shake-up in disaster management is on the horizon as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem considers dismantling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This development, reported by Bloomberg News, outlines a significant shift in the way federal disaster relief may be handled.
FEMA, a key federal body, has traditionally overseen the allocation of disaster relief across the United States, addressing emergencies ranging from natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires to public health crises such as pandemics.
Under Noem’s direction, a memo dated March 25 was crafted, exploring the potential abolition and restructuring of FEMA. The document suggests reducing aid allocations and limiting long-term housing assistance for those affected by disasters. According to Carrie Speranza, a former FEMA adviser, this would mean, “this just means you should not expect to see FEMA on the ground unless it’s 9/11, Katrina, [or] Superstorm Sandy.”
This approach aligns with recommendations in Project 2025, a strategic plan by the Heritage Foundation for a hypothetical second Trump term, which also advocates for limiting FEMA’s involvement.
FEMA’s inception dates back to 1979 under President Jimmy Carter, following state struggles with the Love Canal toxic waste crisis and the Three Mile Island nuclear incident. In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, it became part of the Department of Homeland Security.
FEMA has faced political opposition since its creation, notably from Republicans. Mitt Romney, during his 2012 presidential campaign, suggested eliminating the agency, while President Donald Trump attempted to cut its budget by $667 million in 2019, a move blocked by Congress.
In a notable decision, Trump redirected millions from FEMA to enhance border security in 2019, a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic began affecting the United States. Currently, FEMA operates with a $20.3 billion budget.
Trump’s second term has already seen reduced funding for a FEMA grant program crucial for state storm preparedness, with CBS News highlighting the disproportionate impact on states that favored Trump in the 2024 election, like North Carolina, recently hit by Hurricane Helene.
Efforts to dismantle FEMA would likely face substantial legal hurdles, as dismantling an agency like the Department of Education requires congressional approval, posing a significant barrier to the White House’s intentions.