President Trump threatened to abolish FEMA, citing its inefficiency and costliness in disaster response. As the agency faces mounting budget shortfalls while managing climate-related disasters, both parties have suggested that states should enhance their roles in disaster preparedness. After inspecting areas hit by floods and wildfires, Trump directed a review of FEMA. Former officials emphasize that FEMA operates as a support mechanism to state-led efforts, coordinating responses as required after disaster declarations.
"I think we're going to recommend that FEMA go away," Trump said in a press conference in North Carolina on Friday.
Both Republican and Democratic officials have warned the agency is stretched too thin and have also proposed states take on a greater share of preparedness and response.
After the president approves a disaster declaration request from a governor, FEMA mobilizes a national response that involves coordinating with other agencies.
Think of FEMA as the quarterback for the federal government's response. But this is all in support of the state," Daniel Kaniewski, former FEMA official.
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