Billions in Disaster Aid Stuck in Limbo: Communities Await Relief From Trump Admin
States say FEMA disaster funding has slowed to a trickle under Trump, delaying critical projects to protect communities from wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters.
Billions in disaster relief funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has stalled under the Trump administration, leaving communities across the United States waiting for vital assistance to protect against wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. State and local officials say the approval process has become increasingly bureaucratic and slow, hampering their ability to address urgent infrastructure needs and safeguard vulnerable populations.
The 2021 Caldor fire in California served as a wake-up call, highlighting the critical importance of investing in disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts. The blaze, which burned over 200,000 acres and destroyed hundreds of homes, exposed the fragility of communities ill-equipped to withstand the growing threat of climate change-fueled extreme weather events. {{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}
Yet, despite the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, the Trump administration has been slow to release FEMA funds, according to state officials from both political parties. The approval process has become mired in red tape, with some projects languishing for years before receiving the necessary federal support.
Source: NPR
