Texas Floods Spotlight Challenges In Trump’s FEMA Overhaul/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Trump’s push to phase out FEMA faces scrutiny as Texas floods trigger a robust federal response. Despite calls for state-led disaster management, federal agencies remain crucial in large-scale crises. Experts warn eliminating FEMA could leave states and survivors without vital support.
Trump FEMA Debate Quick Looks
- Trump wants to phase out FEMA post-hurricane season
- Texas floods prompt fast federal response, highlighting FEMA’s role
- Trump approved Texas disaster declaration swiftly
- Kristi Noem cites streamlined aid resembling block grants
- Experts say states alone can’t replace FEMA’s capabilities
- FEMA coordinates multi-agency resources and flood insurance
- Concerns rise about impact of eliminating FEMA on families
- Trump’s FEMA review council meets as reforms remain unclear
Deep Look
Texas Floods Put Trump’s Plan To Phase Out FEMA Under Harsh Spotlight
WASHINGTON — Just weeks after President Donald Trump vowed to “wean off of FEMA” and transition disaster management to states, the devastating Texas floods have underscored how essential federal support remains in catastrophic events — and how politically fraught any plan to eliminate FEMA could become.
Following record rainfall that triggered deadly flash floods across Texas Hill Country, the Trump administration has pivoted sharply toward a traditional, robust federal response. Despite months of pledging to dismantle FEMA or dramatically reshape its mission, the president approved Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s request for a major disaster declaration only a day after it was submitted, unlocking critical federal resources.
Swift Federal Action Amid Calls For Reform
At a presidential Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem praised FEMA’s rapid deployment of funds and aid to Texas.
“We’re cutting through the paperwork of the old FEMA, streamlining it, much like your vision of how FEMA should operate,” Noem told Trump. She added that fast fund disbursement resembled the “state block grants” model Trump has championed, suggesting states could directly manage disaster relief rather than relying on the federal reimbursement system.
Currently, FEMA reimburses states for at least 75% of disaster response and recovery costs. Trump and his allies argue block grants would simplify the process and reduce federal bureaucracy.
Experts Warn States Can’t Fill The Gap
Yet former FEMA officials and disaster experts say Texas’ flooding proves how hard it would be for even the most capable states to replace FEMA’s critical roles.
Michael Coen, former FEMA chief of staff under the Obama and Biden administrations, said the events in Texas demonstrate why a national disaster agency is indispensable.
“This is a defining event that can help them realize that a Federal Emergency Management Agency is essential,” Coen said. “Imagine if an event like this happened a year from now, after FEMA is eliminated. What would the president or secretary (Noem) offer to the governor of Texas if there is no FEMA?”
FEMA’s Central Role Explained
FEMA’s functions go far beyond handing out money. It serves as the coordinating hub for federal resources during disasters, arranging support from the Army Corps of Engineers for debris removal, Health and Human Services for crisis counseling, or the EPA for water testing.
“FEMA becomes a one-point entry for all federal support,” Coen explained.
Additionally, FEMA oversees the National Flood Insurance Program and provides critical Individual Assistance for families who have lost homes or belongings. As of this week, FEMA plans to open disaster recovery centers in Texas, where survivors can get help applying for aid.
Without FEMA, states would need to individually coordinate with dozens of federal agencies and set up complex recovery programs on their own — a logistical challenge that experts say most state governments are ill-equipped to handle.
Funding And Equity Concerns
Texas has one of the nation’s strongest emergency management systems, but even it leans heavily on federal support.
“It’s true that Texas is very capable, but I think it’s something that people forget that FEMA pays for a lot of state and local emergency capacity,” said Maddie Sloan of the policy nonprofit Texas Appleseed. The Texas Division of Emergency Management’s $2 billion budget is largely funded through federal grants.
Jeremy Edwards, former deputy director of public affairs for FEMA, warned that smaller states would struggle even more.
“If a state like Texas asks for federal assistance within two days, the smaller states that are less capable don’t stand a chance,” Edwards said.
Future Of FEMA Still Uncertain
Trump has largely avoided answering whether the Texas floods might alter his FEMA plans. A 12-member presidential review council charged with exploring FEMA reforms, which includes Abbott and Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, is set to meet again Wednesday.
Governor Abbott has called FEMA “slow and clunky” but praised Trump’s rapid disaster declaration. Still, significant reforms to FEMA remain pending.
Meanwhile, smaller policy shifts already implemented could complicate Texas’ recovery. Earlier this year, the administration ended FEMA’s practice of door-to-door outreach to help households enroll for assistance. In rural areas like Kerr County, where floodwaters have damaged roads and cut power, survivors may find it harder to seek help on their own.
Trump has also yet to approve hazard mitigation funds requested by Abbott — funds designed to help communities rebuild in ways that better withstand future disasters.
As Texas reels from the floods, the debate continues over whether dismantling FEMA is truly feasible — or safe.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.