Los Angeles — On Friday, President Donald Trump surveyed disaster zones in California and North Carolina. And said he was considering “getting rid of fema ” the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The latest sign of his plans to make significant changes to the nation’s central disaster response organization.
In fire-ravaged California, Democratic leaders lobbied Trump for government aid. Which he has threatened to withhold, with some putting aside past conflicts to praise him. Trump, in turn, pressed local officials to suspend permitting procedures so that families could rebuild immediately. Promising that federal permits would be provided quickly.
Instead of directing federal financial assistance through FEMA, the Republican president stated that Washington could offer funds directly to states. He made the remarks while touring North Carolina. Which is still recovering months after Hurricane Helene, during his first trip of his second term.
Trump with a bro-hug on the Los Angeles tarmac on Friday. His advisers had been watching the social media accounts of new White House advance staffers for hints about where Trump would discuss the damage caused by the wildfire.
That is the current situation as California and the federal government deal with one of the most costly and possibly most complicated natural catastrophes in American history.
Two members of Newsom’s team told CNN that there was no communication between the newly appointed president’s staff and the Democratic governor’s. Newsom’s letter inviting the president-elect to come two weeks ago was never answered by transition officials. The White House did not extend an invitation to him either.
In the most recent indication that he is considering significant changes to the country’s primary disaster response organization. President Donald Trump said he was thinking about “getting rid of” the FEMA. While surveying disaster areas in California and North Carolina on Friday, January 24, 2025.
The Republican president claimed Washington could send funds directly to the states. Not allowing federal financial relief to go through FEMA. During his first tour of his second term, he made the remarks. While in North Carolina, which is still recuperating months after Hurricane Helene.
According to the Republican president, FEMA has been a huge letdown. “It is extremely bureaucratic.” It’s also quite slow
