In a decisive move to enhance the nation’s disaster preparedness and response, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order transferring primary responsibility for disaster preparations from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to state and local governments. This policy aims to streamline operations and ensure that disaster response is more attuned to the unique needs of individual communities.
The executive order, announced on March 19, 2025, underscores the administration’s commitment to “common sense” investments by state and local entities to bolster national security against various risks, including wildfires, hurricanes, and cyber-attacks. By establishing a “National Risk Register,” the policy seeks to assess vulnerabilities to U.S. infrastructure and promote more efficient federal-state collaborations.
David Richardson, a former Marine Corps officer with a distinguished service record, has been appointed as the acting administrator of FEMA. Richardson’s leadership is expected to bring a disciplined approach to the agency’s operations, aligning with the administration’s vision of a more streamlined federal role in disaster management. His appointment follows the dismissal of Cameron Hamilton, who had expressed reservations about the proposed restructuring during congressional testimony.
The administration’s initiative also includes the establishment of a 13-member council led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This council is tasked with overseeing the transition and ensuring that the shift in responsibilities does not compromise the nation’s disaster response capabilities.
While the policy aims to empower state and local governments, it also presents certain challenges. For instance, the recent cancellation of FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program has affected numerous communities that were relying on federal funding for critical infrastructure improvements. Towns like Mount Pleasant, North Carolina, had anticipated $4 million in BRIC funding to enhance their resilience against natural disasters. The revocation of over $3.6 billion in BRIC funds has particularly impacted disaster-prone areas, prompting discussions about the balance between federal support and local autonomy.
Additionally, the shift in responsibilities has raised concerns among some state officials. In Louisiana, a state frequently affected by hurricanes, the sudden leadership change at FEMA has prompted calls for reform rather than dismantling the agency. U.S. Representative Troy Carter Sr. criticized the move as a partisan threat to essential disaster support, especially with the hurricane season approaching.
Despite these concerns, the administration remains committed to its vision of a more localized approach to disaster management. The executive order emphasizes the need for state and local governments to make “common sense” investments to enhance national security against various risks. However, it does not detail specific measures or funding sources, leaving room for interpretation and adaptation by individual states.
As the nation approaches the hurricane season, the effectiveness of this policy shift will be closely monitored. The administration’s confidence in the capabilities of state and local governments suggests a belief that, with time and appropriate resources, these entities will rise to the occasion, ensuring the safety and resilience of their communities.
In the interim, the federal government continues to provide support and guidance to facilitate this transition. The establishment of the National Risk Register and the oversight council are steps toward a more coordinated and efficient disaster management system. While challenges are anticipated, the administration’s proactive approach indicates a commitment to refining and improving the nation’s disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
As this policy unfolds, it is expected that any initial hurdles will be addressed through ongoing collaboration and adjustments. The administration’s focus on empowering state and local authorities reflects a strategic vision aimed at enhancing the nation’s overall resilience in the face of natural and man-made disasters.
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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.