US President Donald Trump on Friday toured disaster-stricken areas in North Carolina and California, criticising the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and considering “getting rid of” it.
In North Carolina, still reeling months after Hurricane Helene devastated the state, Trump floated the idea of eliminating FEMA altogether. He proposed channelling federal disaster funds directly to states instead, a move he argued would reduce bureaucracy and speed up recovery efforts.
“FEMA has been a very big disappointment,” Trump said during a visit to the Asheville area. “It’s very bureaucratic. And it’s very slow. I’d like to see the states take care of disasters—let them handle the tornadoes and hurricanes and everything else. That would be quicker and cheaper.”
Addressing hurricane Helene’s aftermath
North Carolina residents shared harrowing stories with Trump about wading through floodwaters and battling insurance companies to rebuild their lives. Trump vowed to improve their situation, blaming the Biden administration for delays in recovery efforts.
“You are not forgotten any longer,” Trump said during a briefing on recovery efforts. “You were treated very badly by the previous administration.”
While FEMA has distributed $319 million in financial assistance to the state, Trump criticised the agency’s overall response, calling it inadequate. Some residents, like Laurie Carpenter of Newland, North Carolina, welcomed Trump’s visit, believing he might accelerate recovery efforts. Others, like Sarah Wells Rolland of Asheville, were more sceptical, citing concerns about long-term support.
Trump in California
Later in the day, Trump travelled to wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles, where he met California governor Gavin Newsom on the tarmac. Despite their contentious history, the two leaders struck a conciliatory tone, with Newsom acknowledging Trump’s past support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re going to need your support. We’re going to need your help,” Newsom told Trump, emphasising the urgency of wildfire recovery.
FEMA’s future in question
Trump’s comments on FEMA suggest he is considering reducing the federal government’s role in disaster response. The agency, which helps coordinate relief efforts and provide financial assistance during emergencies, has faced scrutiny from Trump and conservative allies who view its operations as inefficient.
Michael Coen, former FEMA chief of staff under President Biden, defended the agency, saying, “The American people expect the federal government will be there for them on their worst day, no matter where they live.”
Trump’s appointment of Cameron Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL with limited disaster management experience, as FEMA’s acting director has also raised eyebrows.
Political overtones
Trump’s disaster tours in North Carolina, a key battleground state, and California, a Democratic stronghold, carried clear political undertones. He used the visits to highlight his administration’s efforts while criticizing his predecessor’s handling of disasters.
