Slate Daily Feed What Next | If Trump Guts FEMA, Are Tornado Victims On Their Own?
May 21, 2025
Thomas Frank, editor for E&E News’ climate finance team, dives into FEMA's precarious future under potential changes from the Trump administration. He explores how budget cuts could impact disaster relief just as hurricane season approaches, revealing fears of state-level dependency and preparedness. The discussion also highlights the agency's controversial role during recent tornado responses and the broader implications of shifting responsibilities, raising urgent questions about the nation’s disaster management amidst escalating climate challenges.
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Growing Disaster Burden on States
- Federal aid for disaster relief is becoming less reliable even as disasters grow more intense due to climate change.
- States now face increased responsibility for disaster response amidst growing uncertainty about FEMA support.
FEMA's Intended Role and Shifting Thresholds
- FEMA is intended to help when disasters exceed state capacity, not to serve as a first responder.
- Increasing FEMA's cost threshold would shift smaller disasters to states, but many aren't prepared for this transition.
Arkansas Denied Disaster Aid
- Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders was denied a major disaster declaration by President Trump despite meeting damage thresholds.
- This unusual denial drew significant attention, illustrating the uncertainty in current federal disaster aid decisions.