President Donald Trump has announced plans to take executive action to significantly overhaul, or potentially dismantle, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This decision follows his criticisms of FEMA's handling of historic floods in North Carolina. The president suggests that federal aid for disaster-hit regions such as North Carolina and California should be directly managed by the federal government, bypassing existing FEMA structures.
Trump made these remarks during a visit to Asheville, North Carolina, a city severely impacted by Hurricane Helene in September. Speaking to reporters on the airport tarmac upon his arrival, he expressed dissatisfaction with FEMA's response and outlined his vision for a change in the distribution of aid. The president is advocating for a system where states assume greater responsibility for disaster response.
"I like, frankly, the concept [that] when North Carolina gets hit, the governor takes care of it. When Florida gets hit, the governor takes care of it, meaning the state takes care of it," Trump stated.
The president's comments were made during a briefing held in a location devastated by Hurricane Helene. He emphasized his belief that states should play a more prominent role in disaster management, suggesting a shift away from reliance on FEMA. Trump's proposal includes a direct federal approach to aid distribution, potentially circumventing the traditional FEMA channels.
"So rather than going through FEMA, it will go through us," Trump explained.
The president is also set to visit the Los Angeles area, which is currently battling wildfires that have caused extensive damage. The situation in Los Angeles underscores the urgency of efficient disaster management strategies. Trump’s comments about considering the entire concept of FEMA have sparked discussions about the future role of the agency in managing national emergencies.
The proposal to overhaul FEMA comes amidst ongoing debates about federal versus state responsibilities in disaster response. Trump's suggestion highlights a preference for state-led initiatives, with federal support being streamlined directly to the affected areas. This approach could potentially change how emergency relief efforts are coordinated across the nation.
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