Donald Trump Reveals Why He Might ‘Get Rid of FEMA’ During Visit to Hurricane-Hit North Carolina
President Donald Trump suggested he might “get rid of” FEMA, the federal agency responsible for helping states deal with disasters like hurricanes and wildfires. During a visit to North Carolina, which is still recovering from Hurricane Helene, Trump said FEMA has been slow and full of unnecessary red tape. He suggested that states should take care of their own disaster responses, with the federal government only stepping in later to help with funding if needed.
Trump’s comments came during his first trip of his second term as president. While visiting North Carolina, he criticized FEMA for not doing enough to help the state recover after Hurricane Helene hit in September. Residents are still dealing with storm debris and other damage months later.
To address the slow recovery, Trump announced that Michael Whatley, the head of the Republican National Committee and a North Carolina native, would help organize recovery efforts. However, Whatley does not hold any official government position.
Trump also made it clear that he’s frustrated with California. He plans to visit wildfire-damaged areas in Los Angeles later in the day and hinted that California might need to make changes, like fixing water policies and requiring voter ID laws, to receive more federal aid. This has sparked backlash, with critics accusing Trump of using disaster relief as a political tool.
Trump’s idea of shifting disaster management entirely to states has drawn criticism. FEMA is designed to step in when a disaster overwhelms state resources. It helps pay for cleanup, repairs, and even temporary housing for those affected. Former FEMA officials say that removing or weakening the agency could leave many communities without the help they need in the worst moments.
Trump’s visit also brings up the issue of climate change, something he has often dismissed. Scientists say global warming has made disasters like hurricanes and wildfires worse.
Hurricane Helene caused more rain due to warmer temperatures, and California’s dry seasons have become longer, making wildfires more destructive. Despite this, Trump has focused on criticizing state policies rather than addressing the climate issues contributing to these disasters.
Some North Carolina residents are hopeful Trump will speed up recovery efforts, as they feel abandoned by FEMA. Meanwhile, in California, his visit is expected to be tense as he continues to blame state policies for the ongoing wildfire crisis. Trump’s suggestion to change how disasters are managed, including possibly cutting FEMA, is likely to remain a controversial topic in the weeks ahead.
