
President Trump signs executive order to overhaul FEMA, citing inefficiencies and potential political bias.
Quick Takes
- Trump establishes FEMA Review Council to assess and improve agency’s operations
- Council to include up to 20 members from government and external domains
- Review follows criticism of FEMA’s response to recent disasters, including Hurricane Helene
- Concerns raised about political bias and unauthorized use of FEMA resources
- Council to report findings and recommendations to the President within 180 days
Trump Takes Action on FEMA’s Shortcomings
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order establishing a FEMA Review Council, aiming to drastically improve the agency’s efficacy, priorities, and competence. The move comes in response to mounting criticism of FEMA’s disaster response capabilities and allegations of political bias within the organization.
The Council, co-chaired by the secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense, will comprise up to 20 members from both governmental and non-governmental backgrounds. Its primary task is to conduct a comprehensive review of FEMA’s operations and recommend improvements or structural changes to enhance national resilience in the face of disasters.
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 Concerns of Inefficiency and Bias
The executive order highlights serious concerns about FEMA’s performance and impartiality. Despite allocating nearly $30 billion in disaster aid annually for the past three years, the agency has been criticized for leaving vulnerable Americans without adequate resources and support during critical times.
“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,” the order states.
These allegations of political bias have raised questions about the agency’s ability to provide impartial assistance during disasters. The Council will investigate these claims as part of its comprehensive review of FEMA’s practices and protocols.
Reevaluating FEMA’s Role and Responsibilities
President Trump has expressed strong criticism of FEMA’s performance, suggesting that the agency may need a complete overhaul or possibly even be dismantled. During a visit to North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Trump announced his intentions to reform FEMA fundamentally.
“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,” said Trump.
The President has also emphasized the need for states to take on more responsibility in disaster response, arguing that they are better equipped to handle local relief efforts. This shift in approach could potentially reshape the federal government’s role in disaster management.
Council’s Mandate and Timeline
The FEMA Review Council is tasked with a broad mandate to assess the agency’s performance over the past four years, compare it with state and private sector responses, and evaluate FEMA’s role within the federal system. The Council will solicit public comments and expert views to inform its work.
The Council is expected to hold its first public meeting within 90 days of the executive order and submit its report to the President within 180 days. Unless extended by the President, the Council will terminate one year from the date of the order.
As the review process begins, Acting FEMA head Cam Hamilton has reassured staff of the agency’s importance to national security. However, the future of FEMA remains uncertain as the Council’s findings and recommendations could lead to significant changes in how the United States approaches disaster preparedness and response.