In a decisive move to enhance the nation’s disaster preparedness, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order transferring the responsibility for disaster preparations from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to state and local governments. This policy underscores the administration’s commitment to fostering local autonomy and streamlining federal operations.
The executive order, announced on March 19, 2025, calls for a comprehensive review of federal infrastructure, continuity, and preparedness policies. It emphasizes “common sense” investments by state and local governments to address risks ranging from wildfires to hurricanes and cyber-attacks. The order also establishes a “National Risk Register” to identify and measure risks to national infrastructure, aiming to streamline federal-state collaborations.
President Trump articulated his vision during a visit to North Carolina, stating, “FEMA has turned out to be a disaster. I think we recommend that FEMA go away. I think, frankly, that FEMA is not good.” This perspective aligns with the administration’s broader initiative to reform national emergency management, overseen by a 13-member council led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
In line with this policy shift, the administration has initiated significant changes within FEMA’s leadership. Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton was recently dismissed after expressing opposition to dismantling the agency. He was replaced by David Richardson, a former Marine Corps officer with a background in the Department of Homeland Security. Richardson has made it clear that all FEMA decisions now require his approval, suspending all delegated authority. He emphasized his commitment to fulfilling the president’s directive and hinted at shifting more disaster response responsibilities and cost burdens to states.
This restructuring has led to a reduction in FEMA’s workforce by one-third since President Trump took office, with over 2,000 employees departing. The administration advocates for limiting or abolishing FEMA, suggesting that state governments can manage disaster response more effectively. Under this policy shift, federal disaster aid has already been curtailed, and FEMA’s operations are being restricted strictly to legal mandates, increasing cost-sharing with states, and reducing federal involvement.
Critics have raised concerns about the potential impact of these changes on disaster response capabilities. However, the administration maintains that empowering states will lead to more efficient and effective disaster management. The executive order mandates that a new “National Resilience Strategy” be drafted, with the goal of “reducing taxpayer burdens through efficiency.” This strategy aligns with the administration’s emphasis on state and local governments taking a more active role in disaster preparedness and response.
As the Atlantic hurricane season approaches, the administration’s policy shift marks a period of significant transition for FEMA. The leadership changes and policy direction are expected to demoralize remaining staff and potentially weaken FEMA’s disaster response capabilities. However, the administration remains confident that these reforms will lead to a more efficient and effective disaster management system.
While some may view these changes as abrupt, the administration assures that the system just needs time, staff, or expansion to fully realize the benefits of this strategic shift. The focus remains on empowering states and local governments to take a more active role in disaster preparedness and response, ultimately leading to a more resilient and prepared nation.
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Deborah Cole reports on climate regulations, environmental mandates, and disaster response. She holds a degree in environmental studies from the University of Florida and worked in state-level emergency management before joining the press. Her reporting follows how policy meets practice across agencies, municipalities, and emergency zones.