President Trump considers overhauling or eliminating FEMA, raising concerns in Florida

The future of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is uncertain as President Donald Trump has suggested he may overhaul or eliminate the agency. 

What we know:

President Donald Trump has suggested big changes to FEMA, citing dissatisfaction with the agency's performance.  The comments were made during a visit to Asheville, North Carolina, while the region was still recovering from Hurricane Helene. 

This issue is of particular concern to Florida, where FEMA has played a major role in helping residents recover from storms like Hurricanes Ian and Milton. FEMA provides disaster relief funding, including reimbursements for recovery efforts and direct assistance to individuals impacted by disasters.

What we don't know:

Specific details on what changes, if any, will be made to FEMA, were not made clear by President Trump. It is also unclear whether any proposed overhaul or elimination would impact the agency's ability to respond to future disasters.

Furthermore, it is unknown how local government agencies, particularly in Florida, would handle disaster relief if FEMA were removed or replaced, and also unknown is the exact timing and process for any potential reforms or elimination of FEMA.

The backstory:

FEMA has been instrumental in responding to Florida’s disaster recovery efforts, particularly after Hurricanes Ian and Milton. However, some residents, such as Chris Collier from Deltona, have criticized FEMA for not providing sufficient support, citing red tape and delays in the reimbursement process.

Local officials like Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord suggest that changes to FEMA could be expected under a new administration, but anticipate the creation of a similar agency to handle disaster management needs.

Local perspective:

The potential overhaul or elimination of FEMA raises concerns in Florida, where the agency has been critical in supporting recovery efforts after natural disasters. Local officials and residents are worried about the future of disaster relief if FEMA’s role is reduced or eliminated, as it has been a key resource in Florida’s hurricane response.

What they're saying:

Deltona resident Chris Collier, whose home flooded during those storms, says the disaster relief system hasn't worked for him. He feels FEMA has failed to provide adequate support, citing red tape in the reimbursement process.

"[FEMA is] definitely failing people, in my opinion. Something needs to happen differently," Collier said. "I’ve had to do everything myself."

Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord says he wouldn’t be surprised by a shakeup at FEMA, noting that such changes are common with new government administrations. Even if FEMA is eliminated, Lord believes a similar agency would be created to handle disaster management.

"My heart of hearts tells me that there will be something that replaces it, maybe not in all the same functions," Lord added, "but there will need to be some kind of disaster-type agency in the federal executive branch."

Beyond Trump’s criticism of FEMA, he’s suggested limiting the federal government’s role in responding to disasters, echoing comments from conservative allies who have proposed reducing funding and responsibility.

"I’d like to see the states take care of disasters," he said in North Carolina. "Let the state take care of the tornadoes and the hurricanes and all of the other things that happen."

Why you should care:

Changes to FEMA could have a significant impact on how Florida and other states handle disaster recovery, potentially leaving local governments with more responsibility for relief efforts. The possibility of reduced federal involvement in disaster response could affect the speed and efficiency of recovery, particularly for those already struggling to rebuild after recent storms.

Local leaders are already preparing for possible reforms, and understanding the implications of these changes is important for residents who rely on FEMA for assistance in the aftermath of disasters.

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO:

The Source: This story was written based on information shared by Deltona resident Chris Collier, Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord, and from reporting by the Associated Press.

Flagler CountyPolitics