Recent developments within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) indicate a significant policy shift toward decentralizing disaster response responsibilities. Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson has announced plans to transfer more disaster recovery duties to individual states during the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. This move aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader objective to downsize the federal government and potentially eliminate FEMA altogether. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem supports this initiative, emphasizing the need to strengthen state-level disaster preparedness while limiting FEMA’s role to coordination and oversight when necessary.
This transition comes at a time when the United States faces an above-average hurricane season, with forecasts predicting 17 named storms and four major hurricanes. Richardson has indicated that the traditional FEMA cost-sharing model, which covers 75% of disaster-related expenses, may decrease, urging states to budget independently for natural disasters. The agency is also undergoing a mission analysis to restrict its efforts strictly to legally mandated functions, including evaluating potential staff reductions and program eliminations. Since the beginning of Trump’s presidency, FEMA has lost approximately 2,000 full-time employees, about one-third of its workforce.
The reduction in FEMA’s role has led to significant changes in emergency preparedness training. As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, FEMA has significantly reduced its in-person emergency preparedness training for state and local officials. This move, prompted by President Trump’s directive to minimize federal agency roles and reduce FEMA’s scope, has raised concerns among emergency management experts. About one-third of FEMA’s workforce has departed since Trump took office, and travel restrictions and administrative approvals have curtailed staff participation in vital conferences and training events. Many FEMA hurricane training sessions have now shifted online, a format experts argue is less effective for practical learning and critical relationship-building.
The shift toward state responsibility in disaster response is not without precedent. Previous federal responses to major disasters have highlighted challenges in centralized management. For instance, during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the federal government faced criticism for its handling of the disaster. Reports indicated a complete breakdown in communications that paralyzed command and control, making situational awareness murky at best. Agencies could not communicate with each other due to equipment failures and a lack of system interoperability.
Similarly, in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017, FEMA acknowledged failures in its disaster response in Puerto Rico. The agency experienced personnel shortages, was caught with a critical lack of aid supplies, had trouble coordinating logistics, and found itself struggling to do the work of the territorial government.
These historical challenges underscore the complexities of federal disaster response and the potential benefits of shifting responsibilities to state governments. However, this transition also presents several challenges. Many states may lack the resources and infrastructure to manage large-scale disasters independently. The reduction in federal support could lead to disparities in disaster response capabilities among states, potentially leaving some regions more vulnerable than others.
Moreover, the shift toward state responsibility may result in increased bureaucracy at the state level. States will need to develop and implement their own disaster response plans, which could involve the creation of new agencies or the expansion of existing ones. This process may require significant time and financial investment, potentially delaying the implementation of effective disaster response strategies.
Additionally, the reduction in federal involvement may lead to inconsistencies in disaster response across the country. Without a centralized coordinating body, states may adopt varying approaches to disaster management, leading to potential inefficiencies and contradictions in response efforts.
Despite these challenges, the shift toward state responsibility in disaster response is moving forward. FEMA’s acting chief has announced plans to transfer more disaster recovery responsibilities to individual states during the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. This move aligns with President Trump’s broader goal to downsize the federal government and potentially eliminate FEMA.
As this transition unfolds, it will be essential to monitor its impact on disaster response effectiveness and efficiency. While the shift aims to empower states and reduce federal bureaucracy, it also presents potential challenges that must be addressed to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens. Time, staff, and oversight will be necessary to navigate this transition and establish a new framework for disaster response in the United States.
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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.