President Trump signs an executive order to overhaul FEMA, citing inefficiencies and potential political bias in disaster response.

Top Takeaways

• Trump establishes a FEMA Review Council to assess and reform the agency’s operations.
• The order follows criticism of FEMA’s response to recent disasters, including Hurricane Helene.
• Concerns of political bias and unauthorized resource allocation within FEMA are addressed.
• The Council will review FEMA’s disaster response over the past four years and recommend improvements.
• Trump suggests the possibility of dismantling FEMA, emphasizing greater state responsibility in disaster management.

Trump Takes Action on FEMA Reform

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order establishing a Council to review and potentially overhaul the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The move comes in response to growing concerns about FEMA’s effectiveness in disaster response and allegations of political bias within the agency. The FEMA Review Council, co-chaired by the secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense, will consist of up to 20 members from both inside and outside the government.

The executive order outlines serious issues within FEMA, including inefficiencies in disaster response and concerns about political bias. Trump has been particularly critical of FEMA’s performance following Hurricane Helene, where recovery efforts have been slow and many families remain in temporary housing.

Here’s the deal: Trump wants to cut out the FEMA bureaucracy and hand disaster funding directly to state governors—with milestones to track progress. It’s smart, it’s efficient, and it’s exactly how you manage capital effectively. I don’t care what side of the aisle you’re… pic.twitter.com/P0tA69uQWh

— Kevin O'Leary aka Mr. Wonderful (@kevinolearytv) January 25, 2025

Addressing Political Bias and Resource Allocation

One of the most concerning allegations addressed in the executive order is the potential political bias within FEMA. The order states, “Despite obligating nearly $30 billion in disaster aid each of the past three years, FEMA has managed to leave vulnerable Americans without the resources or support they need when they need it most. There are serious concerns of political bias in FEMA. Indeed, at least one former FEMA responder has stated that FEMA managers directed her to avoid homes of individuals supporting the campaign of Donald J. Trump for President.” This accusation raises questions about the impartiality of FEMA’s disaster response efforts.

Additionally, Trump criticized FEMA for losing mission focus and diverting resources to unauthorized missions, such as spending on illegal immigrants. These concerns highlight the need for a comprehensive review of FEMA’s operations and resource allocation.

Council’s Mandate and Timeline

The FEMA Review Council has been given a clear mandate to assess the agency’s performance and recommend improvements. The council is expected to hold its first public meeting within 90 days and submit a report to the President within 180 days. This report will evaluate FEMA’s disaster response over the past four years, compare it with state and private sector responses, and assess FEMA’s role in the federal system.

The council will solicit public comments and expert views to inform its work, ensuring a comprehensive review of FEMA’s operations. Unless extended by the President, the Council will terminate one year from the date of the order, providing a focused timeline for reform recommendations.

Potential for Major Changes

President Trump has not ruled out the possibility of dismantling FEMA entirely. During a visit to North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, Trump stated, “I’ll also be signing an executive order to begin the process of fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA, or maybe getting rid of FEMA. I think, frankly, FEMA is not good.” This statement underscores the potential for significant changes to the agency’s structure and operations.

Trump has also emphasized the need for states to take more responsibility in disaster response, suggesting they are better equipped for local relief efforts. This shift in approach could lead to a fundamental change in how disasters are managed at the federal and state levels.

As the FEMA Review Council begins its work, the future of the agency remains uncertain. The outcome of this comprehensive review will likely shape disaster response policies and strategies for years to come, potentially transforming the role of federal emergency management in the United States.