In a bold move, President Donald Trump announced on Friday his intention to overhaul or even eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). During his visit to North Carolina—a state still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Helene last month—Trump didn't mince words. Standing amidst downed trees and boarded-up homes, he declared, \"FEMA has turned out to be a disaster. I think we recommend that FEMA go away.\"
🔥 A New Approach to Disaster Management?
Trump's plan involves signing an executive order to shift disaster response responsibilities directly to the states, giving them federal funds to manage emergencies themselves. \"I prefer that states handle disasters on their own terms,\" he emphasized.
But can he actually do that? Experts are raising eyebrows. Rob Verchick, a former Environmental Protection Agency official and current law professor at Loyola University New Orleans, pointed out that dismantling FEMA would likely require Congressional action. \"FEMA's roles and funding come from Congress,\" he explained. \"It's not something that can just disappear overnight.\"
🌍 What's at Stake?
Established by President Jimmy Carter, FEMA has been the nation's backbone during natural disasters, deploying over 20,000 employees across 10 regional offices. With extreme weather events on the rise, FEMA's budget and responsibilities have only grown.
Critics argue that eliminating FEMA could leave states vulnerable. Democratic Representative Deborah Ross of North Carolina took to social media, saying, \"Eliminating FEMA would be a disaster for our state.\" She praised the agency as a crucial partner in North Carolina's recovery efforts.
🚀 A Week of Rapid Changes
Since reclaiming the presidency on Monday, Trump's schedule has been jam-packed. From policies on immigration and energy to pardons related to the January 6 Capitol events, he's moving quickly to fulfill campaign promises.
On Friday, U.S. military aircraft began deporting detained migrants in what the White House called \"the largest massive deportation operation in history.\"
🔥 Next Stop: California Wildfires
Trump is now headed to Los Angeles, where wildfires have caused widespread destruction. Three massive blazes continue to threaten the region, and residents are eager to see how the federal government will respond.
🚁 As the discussions heat up, one thing is clear: changes to how the U.S. handles disasters could be on the horizon. Stay tuned, and keep those emergency kits handy! 💼🆘
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
