President Trump has ordered a review of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to address concerns about its disaster response and alleged partisan actions.
President Trump has signed an executive order creating a review panel to assess FEMA’s effectiveness and propose improvements. The panel, co-led by the Homeland Security and Defense secretaries, will evaluate the agency’s performance.
The order, issued Friday, cites concerns about FEMA’s handling of recent disasters, stating: “Despite allocating nearly $30 billion in disaster aid annually for the past three years, FEMA has failed to provide adequate resources and support to vulnerable Americans in their time of need.”
The president also raised concerns about alleged political bias within FEMA, referencing the dismissal of a supervisor who reportedly instructed relief workers to avoid homes displaying pro-Trump signs after Hurricane Milton in Florida.
Acting FEMA Director Cam Hamilton responded to the executive order, reaffirming the agency’s crucial role in national security and disaster response and highlighting the commitment of its workforce.
The new council is scheduled to convene its first public meeting within three months and submit recommendations within 180 days of that meeting.
Established in 1979, FEMA coordinates the federal government’s response to natural and man-made disasters. The agency has faced criticism for its response to past events, including Hurricanes Katrina and Maria.
President Trump has recently expressed dissatisfaction with FEMA’s performance.
Commenting on the recent Southern California wildfires, he posted on Truth Social: “No water in the fire hydrants, no money in FEMA. This is what [former President] Joe Biden is leaving me. Thanks, Joe!”
Following a visit to North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, he suggested potential restructuring or even the elimination of FEMA, stating, “I think, frankly, FEMA is not good.”