The Trump administration has initiated a significant shift in disaster management policy, transferring greater responsibility for disaster preparedness and response to state and local governments. This move aligns with the administration’s commitment to streamline federal operations and promote state autonomy.
On March 18, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing a comprehensive review of federal disaster preparedness and response policies. The order emphasizes the importance of state and local governments taking a more substantial role in national resilience efforts. It calls for the development of a ‘National Resilience Strategy’ and a reassessment of federal approaches to critical infrastructure and risk assessment. The administration asserts that this strategy will enhance national security by encouraging ‘common sense’ investments at the state and local levels. (theguardian.com)
In line with this policy shift, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced plans to increase the financial burden on states for natural disaster response. David Richardson, the newly appointed head of FEMA, stated that the agency will raise the state cost-sharing requirement from the current 25% to 50%. This adjustment is intended to align with the administration’s directive for FEMA to focus strictly on its legally mandated roles while transferring more responsibilities and costs to the states. Richardson emphasized that the revamped ‘FEMA 2’ would prioritize state-led response, recovery, and preparedness efforts. (reuters.com)
The administration’s approach also includes a reduction in FEMA’s workforce. Since President Trump took office, the agency has seen a decrease of approximately one-third of its staff, with over 2,000 employees departing. This downsizing is part of a broader effort to streamline federal agencies and reduce the federal footprint in disaster response. Richardson has made it clear that all FEMA decisions now require his approval, suspending all delegated authority within the agency. (reuters.com)
As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, with forecasts predicting 17 named storms and nine hurricanes, FEMA has significantly reduced its in-person emergency preparedness training for state and local officials. This reduction is a result of the administration’s directive to minimize federal agency roles and reduce FEMA’s scope. Many training sessions have shifted online, a format that some experts argue is less effective for practical learning and critical relationship-building. Despite these changes, some states continue internal disaster training using FEMA-certified trainers. (reuters.com)
In the realm of wildland firefighting, recent funding cuts and workforce reductions have impacted readiness in states like Washington and Oregon. The removal of at least 1,000 National Park Service workers and reductions within the Forest Service have left firefighting crews understaffed ahead of a predicted severe wildfire season. Despite some workers being rehired following a court order and public backlash, critical gaps remain due to the loss of experienced personnel. (apnews.com)
The administration’s policy shift has also led to legal challenges. A coalition of 20 Democratic-led states filed federal lawsuits against the administration, challenging its attempt to tie federal grant funding to immigration enforcement cooperation. The lawsuits argue that the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Homeland Security are unlawfully coercing states by threatening to withhold funds for transportation, counter-terrorism, and emergency preparedness unless they assist in federal immigration arrests. (reuters.com)
In summary, the Trump administration’s reforms in disaster management policy are designed to empower state and local governments, reduce federal involvement, and promote efficiency. While these changes are intended to streamline operations and encourage local investment in disaster preparedness, they also present challenges such as increased financial burdens on states, reduced federal support, and potential staffing shortages. As these policies are implemented, ongoing assessment and adaptation will be necessary to ensure effective disaster response and recovery.
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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.