Trump-Appointed FEMA Review Council Proposes Sweeping Changes to Federal Disaster Support
The report would shift more disaster costs to states and replace most survivor aid with one-time payments and emergency housing.
- On Thursday, the FEMA Review Council proposed sweeping reforms to federal disaster support, including shifting aid responsibilities to States and changing how Survivors receive assistance, though many recommendations require congressional action.
- The report arrived six months late following internal clashes over drafts, which delayed the process under former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem before her replacement by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin in March.
- Recommendations include establishing a "parametric threshold" for support and an upfront payment model for States within 30 days, while shifting National Flood Insurance Program policies, which hold over $20 billion in debt, to the private market.
- The council proposed replacing multiple Survivor assistance channels with a one-time payment, with council member Glenn Youngkin saying the reforms aim to "accelerate federal dollars" and reduce bureaucracy for those in need.
- While the plan avoids a previously proposed 50% FEMA workforce cut, it emphasizes a state-led approach, with council member Kevin Guthrie noting that States are expected to manage more disaster responsibilities independently.
31 Articles
31 Articles
Trump-appointed FEMA panel urges states to take the lead in disaster recovery
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, on Feb. 20, 2026. (Photo by Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)WASHINGTON — State governments should shoulder more of the cost and responsibility for natural disaster recovery, according to a report released Thursday by the Federal Emergency Management Agency review council. The board, created by President Donald Trump last year, called on Congress and the administration to make several major changes, inclu…
Trump-appointed FEMA review board reveals recommendations for changing the agency
A council meant to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency proposed Thursday a series of long-awaited changes to the disaster recovery body that could reduce the number of disasters the federal government supports and the amount of money it doles out.
Trump task force recommends sweeping changes to FEMA — but not eliminating it
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s task force to recommend changes to FEMA approved a report Thursday that would not dismantle the disaster response agency — as some in the administration wanted — but would transfer many current federal tasks to…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
