Sisters watch as a skid-steer loader pulls a tree in Highmore, South Dakota, on June 29, 2026, after a severe storm that morning. The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced it will reimburse eight South Dakota counties and three tribes for storm-related infrastructure fixes. (Photo by Meghan O’Brien/South Dakota Searchlight)
State leaders express relief as the Trump administration’s threats to eliminate FEMA subside. However, uncertainty looms over President Trump’s disaster declaration decisions, affecting federal recovery fund expectations. Juliette Kayyem from Harvard highlights the administration’s unreliability in distributing disaster funds equitably.
Trump has urged states to handle disasters more independently, even suggesting FEMA’s dissolution. Kristi Noem, former Homeland Security Secretary, aimed to slash FEMA’s resources. Cameron Hamilton, recently confirmed as FEMA’s administrator, marks a shift towards stability despite being a former critic. Experts like Craig Fugate see this as a return to regular order, with programs and positions restored after budget cuts.
State emergency managers, including Lynn Budd from Wyoming, welcome these leadership changes. Budd, also the National Emergency Management Association president, appreciates Hamilton’s supportive approach. FEMA’s future, however, remains uncertain under the current administration. States must comply with Trump’s policies to qualify for Homeland Security grants, prompting lawsuits from states fearing financial loss.
The foundation (at FEMA) seems stronger than it did six months ago, but this is an unreliable administration when it comes to the fair and equitable distribution of disaster funds.
– Juliette Kayyem, faculty chair of the Homeland Security Project at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government
Trump’s disaster approvals challenge emergency managers due to unclear thresholds. Politico’s analysis revealed a significant bias, with Republican-led states receiving more approvals than Democratic ones. Trump’s administration aims to remove snow assistance from FEMA aid, affecting northern states often led by Democrats. Fugate notes Trump’s higher bar for federal aid, focusing on major disasters rather than marginal ones.
States are preparing for possible FEMA support reductions. Tennessee lawmakers established a recovery fund, though its $44.2 million budget may be insufficient. State Sen. Jeff Yarbro highlighted the need for more federal support. Budd urges the White House to provide clarity on new thresholds, allowing states to adapt to a larger disaster management role.
While some states create funds to cover gaps, Budd emphasizes the need for time to build these programs effectively. The shift in financial responsibility from federal to state levels requires careful planning and execution.
