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Tag: FEMA

  • FEMA Civil Servant and Disabled Military Veteran Who Voted for Trump Loses Job

    FEMA Civil Servant and Disabled Military Veteran Who Voted for Trump Loses Job



    Title: “FEMA Civil Servant and Disabled Military Veteran Shares his Story: How Voting for Trump Led to Job Loss”

    Post:
    Meet John, a dedicated FEMA civil servant and disabled military veteran who found himself out of a job after casting his vote for President Trump. In a recent interview, John opens up about his experience and the challenges he faced as a result of his political beliefs.

    Despite his years of service to his country, John was shocked to find himself suddenly unemployed. As he navigates this difficult time, he hopes to shed light on the impact of political decisions on individuals like himself.

    Join us as we dive into John’s story and explore the repercussions of his vote. Stay tuned for an eye-opening look at the intersection of politics, employment, and personal beliefs. #FEMA #Veteran #TrumpVoter #JobLoss



    Tags:

    1. Trump supporter
    2. Military veteran
    3. FEMA civil servant
    4. Job loss
    5. Disabled veteran
    6. Political views
    7. Unemployment
    8. Government employee
    9. Trump administration
    10. Current events

    #FEMA #civil #servant #disabled #military #veteran #voted #Trump #hes #job

  • FEMA Quietly Eases Rules Meant to Protect Buildings in Flood Zones

    FEMA Quietly Eases Rules Meant to Protect Buildings in Flood Zones


    The Federal Emergency Management Agency has decided to stop enforcing rules designed to prevent flood damage to schools, libraries, fire stations and other public buildings. Experts say the move, which has not been publicly announced, could endanger public safety and may be in violation of federal law.

    The change in policy was laid out in a Feb. 4 memo by FEMA’s chief counsel, Adrian Sevier, that was viewed by The New York Times.

    The rule in question, called the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard, was one of the Biden administration’s most significant efforts to address the growing costs of disasters. The rule says that when public buildings in a flood zone are damaged or destroyed, those structures must be rebuilt in a way that prevents future flood damage if they are to qualify for FEMA funding. That could include elevating a structure above the expected height of a future flood or relocating it to a safer spot.

    In some cases, the standards also apply to private homes repaired or rebuilt in a flood plain.

    The rule has a tortured history. FEMA first proposed it in 2016, in response to an executive order from President Barack Obama. The powerful home-building industry opposed the rule on the grounds that it would increase construction costs. When President Trump first took office in 2017, he revoked Mr. Obama’s order, stopping FEMA’s effort. Soon after taking office in 2021, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. signed a new executive order calling for a federal flood standard, which culminated in a final rule issued by FEMA last July.

    The goal wasn’t just to protect people and property, according to Deanne Criswell, the head of FEMA at the time. It was also to save taxpayers’ money as climate change made flooding more frequent, causing buildings in flood plains to be repeatedly damaged and then repeatedly rebuilt with government help.

    “We are going to be able to put a stop to the cycle of response and recovery, and rinse and repeat,” Ms. Criswell said at the time.

    Mr. Trump, on his first day back in the White House, again revoked the executive order calling for a federal flood standard. In his memo last week, Mr. Sevier said that while FEMA considers how to amend the rule, the agency will not enforce it. “This pause must be implemented immediately while FEMA takes action to rescind or amend the policies,” Mr. Sevier wrote.

    In a statement, FEMA said that the flood rule “is under review per the president’s executive order.”

    But FEMA cannot simply stop enforcing a regulation, according to David A. Super, a visiting law professor at Yale University who specializes in administrative law.

    If the agency wants to reverse course, it must follow a process clearly laid out by federal law: issuing a public notice, seeking and reviewing public comments and then publishing a new final rule.

    Repealing a regulation can take months or longer. Until that happens, the law says that the rule remains in effect, Mr. Super said.

    FEMA’s effort to “pause” the rule is in keeping with Mr. Trump’s expansionist view of presidential authority, Mr. Super said. “The president is pursuing an extremely ambitious constitutional agenda to invalidate legislation regulating the executive branch.”

    Jennifer Nou, a professor at the University of Chicago Law School, said the legality of FEMA’s decision depends the length of the pause in enforcement. If FEMA stops enforcing the flood rule for an extended period of time, that would put the agency in greater legal jeopardy than just a short pause, she said.

    Courts generally give agencies discretion over enforcing rules, Ms. Nou said. “But that discretion is not unlimited,” she added — for example, if the agency’s position amounts to abdicating its responsibility.

    Chad Berginnis, executive director of the Association of State Floodplain Managers, said failure to enforce the rule would make people less safe.

    Mr. Berginnis offered the example of a water treatment plant that is damaged or destroyed and needs to be rebuilt.

    Under the flood rule, that plant must be built in a way that means it’s unlikely to be damaged by future flooding. Pausing the rule leaves the plant more vulnerable. “We are jeopardizing the safety of the people in that community,” Mr. Berginnis said.

    He said pausing the rule also contradicted Mr. Trump’s state goal of reducing government waste.

    “Wasteful spending is when you’re spending money on repairing something you know is going to get damaged again,” Mr. Berginnis said. If FEMA doesn’t insist on reasonable flood standards, “we literally are wasting taxpayer money.”



    Recently, FEMA has quietly made changes to rules meant to protect buildings in flood zones. These changes have raised concerns among environmentalists and experts in disaster preparedness.

    The rules, which were put in place to ensure that buildings in flood-prone areas are built to withstand potential flooding, have been eased to allow for more flexibility in construction. This means that buildings may not be as resilient to flooding as they once were.

    This decision by FEMA comes at a time when climate change is causing more frequent and severe flooding events. By relaxing these rules, FEMA may be putting more buildings and communities at risk of devastating flood damage.

    It is important for policymakers and the public to be aware of these changes and to advocate for stronger measures to protect buildings in flood zones. We cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to preparing for the impacts of climate change.

    Tags:

    FEMA rules, flood zones, building protection, FEMA regulations, flood risk management, flood mitigation, building safety, flood zone construction, flood zone regulations, FEMA policy changes

    #FEMA #Quietly #Eases #Rules #Meant #Protect #Buildings #Flood #Zones

  • Trump suggests eliminating FEMA while touring disaster site 


    President Donald Trump, during a visit to North Carolina on Friday, floated terminating the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 

    “I’ll be signing an executive order to begin the process of fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA or maybe getting rid of FEMA,” he said. “I think, frankly, FEMA is not good.”  

    The president suggested that states should play a more significant role in disaster response.

    “FEMA has been a very big disappointment.  They cost a tremendous amount of money.  It’s very bureaucratic, and it’s very slow. Other than that, we’re very happy with them,” he said to laughter. “I think that when there’s a problem with the state, I think that that problem should be taken care of by the state.”

    When asked about the timeline for such an order, Trump dodged, describing it as “going to be a period of time.” 

    Trump has been critical of the response to and recovery from Hurricane Helene in the Southeast and Appalachia and the southern California wildfires, even mentioning it in his inaugural address Monday. 

    Given that FEMA is authorized in statute, it’s uncertain how much authority Trump would have to unilaterally make changes to its organization. 

    Trump also said that he would put Michael Whatley — the chairman of the Republican National Committee who was part of the trip — “in charge of making sure everything goes well.” 

    When asked if Whatley’s role would be inside or outside of FEMA, Trump said he could have “any role he wants.” 

    Whatley previously served as chairman of the North Carolina GOP and worked for numerous Republican officials. Based on his LinkedIn, he does not have any experience in disaster management. 

    Gov. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., Trump’s nominee to lead the Homeland Security Department, said in her confirmation hearing on Jan. 17 that FEMA “failed miserably” at responding to Hurricane Helene. 

    As of Oct. 29, 2024, approximately $2.3 billion had been approved for direct assistance, debris removal and emergency protective measures with respect to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Also, more than 1,400 FEMA personnel were on the ground. 

    While responding to Helene, FEMA paused its door-to-door canvassing following a surge of online posts that threatened violence against federal responders over misinformation about the agency’s relief efforts. An armed man was arrested in North Carolina after making threats against federal personnel.   

    Also, FEMA removed a supervisor who instructed employees to skip over homes visibly supporting Trump in Florida. The agency has launched an internal probe into the incident. 

    Gallup reported in 2023 that 49% of Americans rated FEMA as being excellent or good at its job, one of the highest ratings in the survey.





    In a shocking turn of events, President Trump has suggested eliminating the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) while touring a disaster site. This has sparked outrage and confusion among many Americans, as FEMA plays a crucial role in providing relief and assistance during natural disasters.

    During his visit to the disaster site, Trump reportedly questioned the need for FEMA and suggested that states should take more responsibility for their own disaster response efforts. This statement has raised concerns about the potential consequences of dismantling FEMA, including delays in response times, inadequate resources for disaster relief, and a lack of coordination between states during emergencies.

    Critics have condemned Trump’s suggestion as reckless and short-sighted, highlighting the importance of having a centralized agency like FEMA to coordinate disaster response efforts and provide much-needed support to affected communities. As the debate over the future of FEMA continues, it remains to be seen how this controversial proposal will impact disaster relief efforts in the United States.

    Tags:

    1. Trump FEMA elimination
    2. Disaster site tour
    3. FEMA news update
    4. Trump disaster response
    5. Trump FEMA controversy
    6. FEMA elimination proposal
    7. Disaster relief politics
    8. FEMA budget cuts
    9. Trump disaster management
    10. FEMA future uncertain

    #Trump #suggests #eliminating #FEMA #touring #disaster #site

  • Opinion | Vermont Sen Peter Welch: I’ll Work With Trump to Fix FEMA


    My state, Vermont, is still recovering from two catastrophic floods in the past two years. That’s why I agree with President Trump that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is broken and needs serious reform if it is to meet local communities’ long-term recovery needs.

    But to do away with it completely would be a disaster for red and blue states alike.

    On Friday, while visiting victims of September’s Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, Mr. Trump said he was considering “getting rid of FEMA.” He now reportedly plans to sign an executive order as a step toward reshaping FEMA, which could eliminate the agency.

    FEMA helps communities before, during and after disasters. The agency’s immediate disaster response — in the midst of a flood, a wildfire, tornado or other disaster — is crucial. FEMA helps Americans in times of chaos and crisis, and does it well. It is at work in Southern California helping people to recover from the devastating fires, something the president surely saw during his recent visit.

    In July 2023, Vermont experienced torrential rain, which led to catastrophic flooding and landslides. Homes, farms and businesses were destroyed. Roads, rail lines, dams, bridges, wastewater plants and the post office of our capital city, Montpelier, were washed out. In July 2024, exactly one year later to the day, Vermont was again hit with brutal flooding.

    FEMA’s emergency response was critical in the immediate aftermath of both floods. Emergency relief workers, in coordination with a volunteer network and state and local leaders, surged into our communities. Together, they rescued people trapped in their homes, provided displaced Vermonters with water, food, supplies and temporary shelter, and went door to door to start the recovery process. We were grateful for President Joe Biden’s quick assistance, and the immediate attention and visit to Vermont of the FEMA administrator, Deanne Criswell.

    What needs to change is the agency’s long-term recovery process, which kicks in months after the floodwaters recede. There is far too much delay and bureaucracy. Disaster victims in Vermont feel it, as do disaster victims in North Carolina. More control, leadership and resources must be given to local governments to ensure that disaster recovery efforts are implemented in a timely way.

    Many homeowners in Vermont have struggled to get answers from FEMA, stuck in endless feedback loops after they applied to the Individual Assistance program, which helps secure permanent housing and other needs. Some Vermonters are still paying mortgages on homes they watched float down the river while they wait for a buyout from the agency.

    FEMA’s Public Assistance program helps communities address infrastructure recovery needs, including washed-out roads, bridges and wastewater plants. In seeking help, town officials in Vermont have faced administrative hassles and extraordinary turnover among the FEMA staff that manages approvals for these projects.

    One of the hardest-hit communities, Ludlow, was assigned eight different program delivery managers in a little over a year. And that wasn’t unique. Each time a new one took over, towns had to file their paperwork all over again. New managers provided different, often-conflicting, guidance.

    FEMA asked one town to calculate the cubic volume of washed-out road before agreeing to pay for it to be rebuilt. Another town that experienced a total loss of its wastewater treatment facility was told it couldn’t buy a new generator because FEMA would pay only to rent one. Months later, a different FEMA manager told the town it needed to purchase a new generator for the plant immediately. Towns have borrowed millions of dollars at high interest rates waiting for project approvals that were slow or frozen, in part because of budget constraints caused by Congress’s slow action in replenishing the agency’s Disaster Relief Fund.

    Administrative costs have dramatically outpaced the distribution of disaster aid in Vermont. For every dollar FEMA spent on disaster recovery for the 2023 flood victims, it spent nearly $2 on administrative costs. In response, I wrote legislation that would audit FEMA’s budget.

    This ineffectiveness has led to an erosion of trust, both in FEMA and in the federal government. Local leaders should have more control and more responsibility. We have energy, effort, resources and talent in our own communities.

    No state or municipality — not Vermont, North Carolina or California — has the capacity to respond on its own. Climate change will continue to worsen and communities across America will feel the pain of weather crises. Climate denialism and policies by the new administration that roll back progress made in the past four years will only exacerbate this problem.

    That makes it all the more urgent for the federal government to show up in a time of crisis and not play politics with its response. All Americans deserve to know that Washington will have their back when disaster strikes. FEMA was one of President Jimmy Carter’s legacy achievements. Today, it employs more than 22,000 people, including more than 12,500 members in its emergency-response work force, a record. We owe it to Mr. Carter to improve FEMA, not tear it apart only weeks after his passing.

    If President Trump wants to come to the table in good faith to reform FEMA’s broken long-term recovery efforts, I’ll work with him. I stand ready to work with Republican and Democratic legislators to help our fellow Americans hammered by natural disasters.



    In a recent interview, Vermont Senator Peter Welch expressed his willingness to work with President Trump to improve the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Welch, a Democrat, emphasized the importance of putting partisan differences aside in order to ensure that FEMA is equipped to effectively respond to natural disasters and other emergencies.

    Despite his criticisms of the Trump administration’s handling of FEMA in the past, Welch stated that he is committed to finding common ground and working together to address the agency’s shortcomings. He noted that FEMA plays a crucial role in providing assistance to communities in times of crisis, and that it is essential for the agency to be fully prepared and responsive.

    Welch’s willingness to collaborate with the President on this issue highlights the importance of bipartisanship when it comes to disaster response and preparedness. By setting aside political differences and focusing on the needs of the American people, Welch is demonstrating true leadership and a commitment to finding solutions that benefit all Americans.

    As natural disasters continue to pose a threat to communities across the country, it is crucial for lawmakers to prioritize the improvement of FEMA and ensure that it is able to effectively fulfill its mission. Senator Welch’s willingness to work with President Trump on this issue is a positive step towards achieving that goal, and serves as an example of how bipartisan cooperation can lead to meaningful change.

    Tags:

    Peter Welch, Vermont Senator, Trump administration, FEMA, disaster relief, bipartisan cooperation, government collaboration, emergency response, natural disasters, political unity

    #Opinion #Vermont #Sen #Peter #Welch #Ill #Work #Trump #Fix #FEMA

  • Trump proposes ‘getting rid of FEMA’ while visiting North Carolina


    President Donald Trump said he was considering “getting rid of FEMA” as he visited hurricane-battered North Carolina on Friday during the first trip of his second term.The comment, made during a briefing on the monthslong recovery from Hurricane Helene, was the latest signal of how Trump is planning sweeping changes to the federal government’s role in managing catastrophes.“FEMA has been a very big disappointment,” the Republican president said. “It’s very bureaucratic. And it’s very slow. Other than that, we’re very happy with them.”Trump, who also planned to visit wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles later in the day, said he was looking at signing an executive order on the Federal Emergency Management Agency.“I’d like to see the states take care of disasters,” he said after landing in the Asheville area. “Let the state take care of the tornadoes and the hurricanes and all of the other things that happen.”Trump said that would be quicker than sending in FEMA.“FEMA just hasn’t done the job,” the president said. “We’re looking at the whole concept of FEMA.”The agency helps respond to disasters when local leaders request a presidential emergency declaration, a signal that the damage is beyond the state’s ability to handle on its own. FEMA can reimburse governments for recovery efforts such as debris removal, and it gives stopgap financial assistance to individual residents. Some of Trump’s conservative allies have proposed reducing how much money the agency should provide.Trump has criticized former President Joe Biden for his administration’s response to Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. As he left the White House on Friday morning, he told reporters that “it’s been a horrible thing the way that’s been allowed to fester” since the storm hit in September, and “we’re going to get it fixed up.”Trump will receive a briefing on recovery efforts and then travel to a small town outside Asheville to meet with residents who have been helped by Samaritan’s Purse, a humanitarian organization headed by evangelical leader Franklin Graham.Once in California, Trump plans to tour the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, where rows of homes burned to the ground. He’s expected to receive a briefing on the fires, which are ongoing, with thousands of people under evacuation orders.Trump has showered California leaders with disdain for water policies that he falsely claimed worsened the recent blazes. He said he would “take a look at a fire that could have been put out if they let the water flow, but they didn’t let the water flow.”Members of Congress will be at the briefing, and the meeting could prove contentious. Trump has suggested using federal disaster assistance as a bargaining chip during unrelated legislative negotiations over government borrowing, or as leverage to persuade California to change its water policies.“Playing politics with people’s livelihoods is unacceptable and a slap in the face to the Southern California wildfire victims and to our brave first responders,” said Rep. Young Kim, a Republican from Orange County, south of Los Angeles, in a recent statement.Trump has a history of injecting politics and falsehoods into disaster response. During his first term, he talked about limiting help for Democratic states that didn’t support him, according to former administration officials. While running for president last year, he claimed without evidence that Democrats were “going out of their way to not help people in Republican areas” of the battleground state of North Carolina.He’s also been focused on California water policies, specifically fish conservation efforts in the northern part of the state.“I don’t think we should give California anything until they let the water run down,” Trump said Wednesday in an interview with Fox News Channel’s Sean Hannity.The president also suggested shifting more responsibility to individual states for managing disasters.“I’d rather see the states take care of their own problems,” he told Hannity, adding that “FEMA is getting in the way of everything.”Michael Coen, who served as chief of staff at FEMA during the Biden administration, said Trump was “misinformed” about an agency that provides critical help to states when they’re overwhelmed by catastrophe.In addition, Coen criticized the idea of attaching strings to assistance.“You’re going to pick winners and losers on which communities are going to be supported by the federal government,” he said. “I think the American people expect the federal government will be there for them on their worst day, no matter where they live.”The last time Trump was president, he visited numerous disaster zones, including the aftermaths of hurricanes and tornadoes. He sometimes sparked criticism, like when he tossed paper towels to survivors of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.“If you’re a disaster survivor, no matter who you voted for, it’s always good when the president comes to town,” said Pete Gaynor, who headed FEMA during the first Trump administration between 2019 and 2021. “You can see him and hopefully talk to him about what you need in your community.”Laurie Carpenter, a 62-year-old retiree in Newland, North Carolina, said she’s looking forward to Trump’s visit because she’s been disappointed by the federal response. She said there’s still debris and trash strewn around her part of the state months after Hurricane Helene.“If anybody’s going to do something about it, I think he will,” Carpenter said.Trump tapped Cameron Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL with limited experience managing natural disasters, as FEMA’s acting director. He also said individual states should be in charge of directing response to natural disasters rather than FEMA, and that the federal government should only step in subsequently to provide funding.Biden vowed before leaving office that the federal government would cover all the costs of responding to the wildfires around Los Angeles, which could end up being the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. However, that promise won’t be kept unless Congress comes up with more funding.Friday’s trip could prompt some uncomfortable conversations about climate change, which Trump has played down and denied. Both Hurricane Helene and the Los Angeles wildfires were exacerbated by global warming.In Helene’s case, a study by international climate scientists at World Weather Attribution found that climate change boosted the storm’s rainfall by 10%. In California, the state suffered a record dry fall and winter — its traditional wet season — which made the area around Los Angeles more vulnerable to blazes.“This is just breaking our comfort zone of what is supposed to be normal,” said University of Oregon researcher Amanda Stasiewicz.After visiting North Carolina and California, Trump plans to hold a rally Saturday in Las Vegas. Advisers said he will offer details on keeping a campaign promise to exclude tips from federal taxes, while reveling in having won Nevada in an Election Day upset.“I’m going to go to Nevada to thank them,” Trump said. He was the first Republican candidate to win the state since 2004, when George W. Bush beat John Kerry.Las Vegas’ 24-hour economy is fueled by the hospitality and service industries, where everyone from restaurant waiters to valet parkers to hotel maids relies on gratuities. However, exempting them from taxes would likely be difficult to implement and require an act of Congress to remain permanent.

    WASHINGTON —

    President Donald Trump said he was considering “getting rid of FEMA” as he visited hurricane-battered North Carolina on Friday during the first trip of his second term.

    The comment, made during a briefing on the monthslong recovery from Hurricane Helene, was the latest signal of how Trump is planning sweeping changes to the federal government’s role in managing catastrophes.

    “FEMA has been a very big disappointment,” the Republican president said. “It’s very bureaucratic. And it’s very slow. Other than that, we’re very happy with them.”

    Trump, who also planned to visit wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles later in the day, said he was looking at signing an executive order on the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

    “I’d like to see the states take care of disasters,” he said after landing in the Asheville area. “Let the state take care of the tornadoes and the hurricanes and all of the other things that happen.”

    Trump said that would be quicker than sending in FEMA.

    “FEMA just hasn’t done the job,” the president said. “We’re looking at the whole concept of FEMA.”

    The agency helps respond to disasters when local leaders request a presidential emergency declaration, a signal that the damage is beyond the state’s ability to handle on its own. FEMA can reimburse governments for recovery efforts such as debris removal, and it gives stopgap financial assistance to individual residents. Some of Trump’s conservative allies have proposed reducing how much money the agency should provide.

    Trump has criticized former President Joe Biden for his administration’s response to Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. As he left the White House on Friday morning, he told reporters that “it’s been a horrible thing the way that’s been allowed to fester” since the storm hit in September, and “we’re going to get it fixed up.”

    Trump will receive a briefing on recovery efforts and then travel to a small town outside Asheville to meet with residents who have been helped by Samaritan’s Purse, a humanitarian organization headed by evangelical leader Franklin Graham.

    Once in California, Trump plans to tour the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, where rows of homes burned to the ground. He’s expected to receive a briefing on the fires, which are ongoing, with thousands of people under evacuation orders.

    Trump has showered California leaders with disdain for water policies that he falsely claimed worsened the recent blazes. He said he would “take a look at a fire that could have been put out if they let the water flow, but they didn’t let the water flow.”

    Members of Congress will be at the briefing, and the meeting could prove contentious. Trump has suggested using federal disaster assistance as a bargaining chip during unrelated legislative negotiations over government borrowing, or as leverage to persuade California to change its water policies.

    “Playing politics with people’s livelihoods is unacceptable and a slap in the face to the Southern California wildfire victims and to our brave first responders,” said Rep. Young Kim, a Republican from Orange County, south of Los Angeles, in a recent statement.

    Trump has a history of injecting politics and falsehoods into disaster response. During his first term, he talked about limiting help for Democratic states that didn’t support him, according to former administration officials. While running for president last year, he claimed without evidence that Democrats were “going out of their way to not help people in Republican areas” of the battleground state of North Carolina.

    He’s also been focused on California water policies, specifically fish conservation efforts in the northern part of the state.

    “I don’t think we should give California anything until they let the water run down,” Trump said Wednesday in an interview with Fox News Channel’s Sean Hannity.

    The president also suggested shifting more responsibility to individual states for managing disasters.

    “I’d rather see the states take care of their own problems,” he told Hannity, adding that “FEMA is getting in the way of everything.”

    Michael Coen, who served as chief of staff at FEMA during the Biden administration, said Trump was “misinformed” about an agency that provides critical help to states when they’re overwhelmed by catastrophe.

    In addition, Coen criticized the idea of attaching strings to assistance.

    “You’re going to pick winners and losers on which communities are going to be supported by the federal government,” he said. “I think the American people expect the federal government will be there for them on their worst day, no matter where they live.”

    The last time Trump was president, he visited numerous disaster zones, including the aftermaths of hurricanes and tornadoes. He sometimes sparked criticism, like when he tossed paper towels to survivors of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.

    “If you’re a disaster survivor, no matter who you voted for, it’s always good when the president comes to town,” said Pete Gaynor, who headed FEMA during the first Trump administration between 2019 and 2021. “You can see him and hopefully talk to him about what you need in your community.”

    Laurie Carpenter, a 62-year-old retiree in Newland, North Carolina, said she’s looking forward to Trump’s visit because she’s been disappointed by the federal response. She said there’s still debris and trash strewn around her part of the state months after Hurricane Helene.

    “If anybody’s going to do something about it, I think he will,” Carpenter said.

    Trump tapped Cameron Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL with limited experience managing natural disasters, as FEMA’s acting director. He also said individual states should be in charge of directing response to natural disasters rather than FEMA, and that the federal government should only step in subsequently to provide funding.

    Biden vowed before leaving office that the federal government would cover all the costs of responding to the wildfires around Los Angeles, which could end up being the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. However, that promise won’t be kept unless Congress comes up with more funding.

    Friday’s trip could prompt some uncomfortable conversations about climate change, which Trump has played down and denied. Both Hurricane Helene and the Los Angeles wildfires were exacerbated by global warming.

    In Helene’s case, a study by international climate scientists at World Weather Attribution found that climate change boosted the storm’s rainfall by 10%. In California, the state suffered a record dry fall and winter — its traditional wet season — which made the area around Los Angeles more vulnerable to blazes.

    “This is just breaking our comfort zone of what is supposed to be normal,” said University of Oregon researcher Amanda Stasiewicz.

    After visiting North Carolina and California, Trump plans to hold a rally Saturday in Las Vegas. Advisers said he will offer details on keeping a campaign promise to exclude tips from federal taxes, while reveling in having won Nevada in an Election Day upset.

    “I’m going to go to Nevada to thank them,” Trump said. He was the first Republican candidate to win the state since 2004, when George W. Bush beat John Kerry.

    Las Vegas’ 24-hour economy is fueled by the hospitality and service industries, where everyone from restaurant waiters to valet parkers to hotel maids relies on gratuities. However, exempting them from taxes would likely be difficult to implement and require an act of Congress to remain permanent.



    President Trump made a controversial statement during his visit to North Carolina, proposing the elimination of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The agency, which is responsible for responding to natural disasters and providing aid to those affected, has been a crucial resource for communities in times of crisis.

    Trump’s proposal has sparked outrage among many, who argue that FEMA plays a vital role in disaster response and recovery efforts. Critics point to the agency’s successful track record in providing assistance to those in need, and question the President’s reasoning for wanting to do away with it.

    The President’s remarks have reignited the debate over the role of government in disaster response, and have raised concerns about the potential consequences of eliminating FEMA. As the country continues to face a growing number of natural disasters, the need for a strong and effective emergency response agency has never been more pressing.

    It remains to be seen whether Trump’s proposal will gain any traction, but one thing is clear – the future of FEMA is now more uncertain than ever.

    Tags:

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    5. FEMA news update
    6. Trump government agency changes
    7. FEMA response to hurricanes
    8. Trump administration policies
    9. FEMA funding cuts
    10. Trump disaster management plan

    #Trump #proposes #rid #FEMA #visiting #North #Carolina

  • Trump announces FEMA overhaul during visit to Helene-stricken North Carolina


    President Donald Trump said he plans to overhaul the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as North Carolina is still recovering from Hurricane Helene more than 120 days after the storm struck the state. 

    “I’ll also be signing an executive order to begin the process of fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA, or maybe getting rid of FEMA,” Trump told reporters in North Carolina on Friday morning. “I think, frankly, FEMA is not good.”

    Trump also promised his administration would step in and assist North Carolina to fix the damage quickly, vowing to “do a good job” for the state. 

    “We’re going to fix it, and we’re going to fix it as fast as you can,” Trump said. “It’s a massive amount of damage. FEMA has really let us down. Let the country down. And I don’t know if that’s Biden’s fault or whose fault it is, but we’re going to take over. We’re going to do a good job.”

    Trump also said he would like to see the states assume more responsibility when disaster strikes, arguing those familiar with the state are better equipped to provide disaster response and relief. 

    TRUMP, GOP LEADERS MEET AT WHITE HOUSE AS PRESIDENT PLANS VISIT TO NC, DEFENDS EXECUTIVE ORDERS

    An aerial view of destroyed and damaged buildings in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene flooding on Oct. 8 in Bat Cave, North Carolina. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

    Trump also promised to work with three of the lawmakers whose areas were affected by Hurricane Helene, claiming that FEMA was “not on the ball” in assisting North Carolina in the aftermath of the hurricane. 

    “So we’re going to be doing something on FEMA that I think most people agree [with],” Trump said. “I’d like to see the states take care of disasters, let the state take care of the tornadoes and the hurricanes and all of the other things that happen. And I think you’re going to find it a lot less expensive. You’ll do it for less than half, and you’re going to get a lot quicker response.”

    So far, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers claim that only half of the debris recovery from Hurricane Helene is complete. Additionally, thousands of families in North Carolina remain in hotels that FEMA is footing the bill for under its Transitional Housing Assistance program. 

    TRUMP SAYS NEWSOM IS TO ‘BLAME’ FOR ‘APOCALYPTIC’ WILDFIRES

    A photo of Hurricane Helene’s aftermath was provided to Fox News Digital by the office of Rep. Kat Cammack. (Office of Congresswoman Kat Cammack)

    While these families were approaching a late January deadline that would have removed them from the hotels, FEMA announced this week it extended the deadline to May 26. In total, more than 3,000 families are eligible for the program extension. 

    “It’s been a horrible thing the way that’s been allowed to fester, and we’re going to get it fixed up,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday prior to departing for North Carolina. “It should have been done months ago from the hurricane that took place almost four months ago. North Carolina’s been treated very badly so we’re stopping there.” 

    FAST-MOVING HUGHES FIRE ERUPTS IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY AS CALIFORNIA OFFICIALS ORDER EVACUATIONS

    President Donald Trump boards Air Force One as he departs for North Carolina at Joint Base Andrews on Jan. 24, 2025. (Leah Millis/Reuters)

    Trump said Wednesday in an exclusive interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity that “Democrats don’t care about North Carolina” and that was why he would visit the state for his first official trip as president during his second term. 

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Trump is slated to visit California on Friday as well to survey the damage from wildfires that have ravaged the state this month. 

    “It looks like something hit it, we won’t talk about what hit it,” Trump said. “But it is a bad, bad situation.” 

    Fox News’ Jacqui Heinrich and Aubrey Conklin contributed to this report.

    Diana Stancy is a politics reporter with Fox News Digital covering the White House. 



    President Trump visited North Carolina today to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Helene and announced a major overhaul of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). During a press conference in Wilmington, Trump unveiled his plans to streamline and improve the agency’s response to natural disasters.

    “We have seen the devastation that Hurricane Helene has brought to North Carolina, and it is clear that FEMA needs to be more efficient and effective in its disaster response efforts,” Trump said. “I am committed to ensuring that FEMA is better equipped to handle future emergencies and provide assistance to those in need.”

    The overhaul of FEMA will include increased funding for disaster relief, better coordination with state and local authorities, and improved communication with the public during emergencies. Trump also announced the appointment of a new FEMA administrator who will lead the agency in implementing these changes.

    “We cannot afford to wait until the next disaster strikes to improve FEMA’s operations,” Trump stated. “We must act now to ensure that the agency is prepared to respond quickly and effectively to any future emergencies.”

    The President’s announcement comes as North Carolina continues to recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread flooding and power outages across the state. Trump praised the resilience of the people of North Carolina and pledged the federal government’s full support in the recovery efforts.

    “We will stand with the people of North Carolina as they rebuild and recover from this devastating storm,” Trump declared. “Together, we will overcome the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene and emerge stronger than ever before.”

    The President’s visit to North Carolina and his announcement of the FEMA overhaul underscore the importance of being prepared for natural disasters and the need for a strong and efficient federal response. As the recovery efforts in North Carolina continue, the nation will be watching closely to see how FEMA’s new initiatives will improve its ability to assist those in need during times of crisis.

    Tags:

    1. Trump FEMA overhaul
    2. North Carolina hurricane response
    3. President Trump disaster relief
    4. FEMA reform announcement
    5. Hurricane Helene aftermath
    6. FEMA changes under Trump
    7. North Carolina storm recovery
    8. President Trump emergency management
    9. FEMA update after Hurricane Helene
    10. Trump administration disaster response

    #Trump #announces #FEMA #overhaul #visit #Helenestricken #North #Carolina

  • Trump recommends ending FEMA ahead of California fire site visit


    U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media flanked by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, as they arrive to assess recovery efforts and tour areas devastated by Hurricane Helene, at Asheville Regional Airport in Asheville, North Carolina, U.S., Jan. 24, 2025. 

    Leah Millis | Reuters

    President Donald Trump on Friday said he plans to take executive action to overhaul — or possibly end — the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, slamming the agency for its response to historic floods in North Carolina.

    “I think we’re going to recommend that FEMA go away,” Trump said at a roundtable event in Asheville, North Carolina, which was devastated in September by Hurricane Helene.

    The president later Friday is set to travel to Los Angeles, which continues to battle wildfires that have ravaged swaths of the city.

    This is breaking news. Please refresh for updates.



    President Trump’s controversial recommendation to end the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) ahead of his visit to the California fire sites has sparked outrage and concern. Many are questioning the logic behind such a move, especially in the midst of devastating wildfires that have already claimed multiple lives and destroyed thousands of homes.

    Critics argue that dismantling FEMA would leave communities vulnerable to natural disasters and emergencies, and that the agency plays a crucial role in coordinating disaster response and recovery efforts. Trump’s visit to California, where firefighters are still battling to contain the blazes, has only added to the urgency of the situation.

    As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen whether Trump’s recommendation will gain any traction. In the meantime, Californians continue to face the harsh reality of the wildfires, with many looking to FEMA for much-needed assistance and support.

    Tags:

    1. Trump recommendations
    2. FEMA ending proposal
    3. California fire site visit
    4. Disaster response strategies
    5. Emergency management policies
    6. Federal Emergency Management Agency
    7. Presidential disaster declarations
    8. Wildfire preparedness
    9. Natural disaster response
    10. Government disaster relief efforts

    #Trump #recommends #FEMA #ahead #California #fire #site #visit

  • Trump Says States Should Manage Disasters. Former FEMA Leaders Agree.


    President Trump plans to tour damage on Friday from last year’s hurricanes in North Carolina and this month’s fires in California after saying that disaster response should be shifted from the federal government to the states.

    In an interview on Fox News on Wednesday, the president criticized the performance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “FEMA is going to be a whole big discussion very shortly,” he said. “I’d rather see the states take care of their own problems.”

    Mr. Trump continued, “The FEMA is getting in the way of everything.” Referring to Oklahoma, he said: “If they get hit with a tornado or something, let Oklahoma fix it. You don’t need — and then the federal government can help them out with the money.”

    Project 2025, the blueprint for a Republican administration that was produced by the Heritage Foundation, calls for flipping the financial burden of response to small disasters so that 75 percent is carried by states and the rest by the federal government. Russell Vought, the chief architect of Project 2025, is Mr. Trump’s pick to run the Office of Management and Budget, where he would significantly shape the federal budget.

    Mr. Trump’s comments to Fox News left much unanswered, including how much of the cost of disasters he wants to place on states.

    A growing number of federal emergency managers say FEMA is overextended.

    “The real question is how those burdens should be shared at all levels of government,” said Daniel Kaniewski, the second-highest ranking official at FEMA during Mr. Trump’s first administration and now a managing director at Marsh McLennan, a consulting firm.

    The past four administrators of FEMA — two appointed by Democrats, and two appointed by Mr. Trump — have made versions of that argument, calling for states to do more. But states generally want more help, not less.

    Mr. Trump may force states to take on a greater role.

    “The gentle nudging hasn’t changed the outcome,” said Roy Wright, who held senior roles at FEMA during the Obama and first Trump administrations. “We need a different approach.”

    That debate comes as extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe because of climate change, and Mr. Trump has canceled some of the policies designed to make the United States more resilient to climate shocks.

    The president has appointed as FEMA’s acting administrator Cameron Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL and a former director of emergency medical services at the Department of Homeland Security who has also appeared on Fox News as a military analyst. Unlike previous FEMA administrators, Mr. Hamilton does not appear to have experience managing responses to large-scale hurricanes, wildfires or other disasters.

    The section in Project 2025 on disasters was written by Ken Cuccinelli, the acting deputy secretary of the agency responsible for FEMA in Mr. Trump’s first term. In addition to shifting more costs to states for small disasters, the blueprint called for a disaster “deductible” — reducing federal aid to states that fail to protect their communities against disasters. That switch would push states “to take a more proactive role in their own preparedness,” Mr. Cuccinelli wrote.

    The idea of a disaster deductible was previously proposed by the Obama administration. Craig Fugate, the FEMA administrator at the time, argued that states needed a financial incentive to impose tougher building codes, curb construction in high-risk areas and otherwise reduce their exposure to hurricanes, wildfires and other disasters.

    “We’re not seeing a change in behavior,” Mr. Fugate told Bloomberg News in 2016. “There’s got to be a forcing mechanism.”

    But states balked at the idea of higher costs, and the idea fizzled out. After Mr. Trump first took office in 2017, his FEMA administrator, Brock Long, proposed adjusting the amount of federal disaster aid that states could receive, based on whether they had taken steps like strengthening building codes.

    Mr. Long also believes FEMA funding should be replaced with “block grants” — giving states part of the cost of responding and rebuilding after disasters. That would allow governors “greater control over resources and recovery efforts to meet the unique demands of their communities,” Mr. Long said in a statement on Thursday.

    The challenge with shifting responsibility to states is that they vary in their ability to respond to disasters, said Pete Gaynor, who succeeded Mr. Long as FEMA administrator in 2019.

    Only a dozen or so states, such as Florida, Texas and California, have the staff and experience needed to manage large disasters, Mr. Gaynor said.

    But Mr. Gaynor said block grants could reduce costs. Instead of paying for disaster recovery that can sometimes last decades, FEMA would estimate the cost of recovery and send the money to the state.

    If a state rebuilt for less, Mr. Gaynor said, it could invest the difference in measures to protect against future disasters, like building sea walls or elevating buildings. If costs exceeded the initial estimate, the state would have to pay the extra cost.

    Some states would be receptive to block grants, said Lynn Budd, president of the National Emergency Management Association, which represents state emergency management directors. “It’s an intriguing idea,” said Ms. Budd, who is director of the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. She said Wyoming, because of its small population and relatively few disasters, doesn’t have the money to hire a large number of staff to manage disasters when they occur.

    But Deanne Criswell, who ran FEMA during the Biden administration, said she worried that states without the expertise or resources to handle a recovery would simply fail to rebuild, leaving them more vulnerable to the next disaster.

    Ms. Criswell agreed with the idea that FEMA does too much. But she said part of the problem was that the agency was taking on work outside of severe weather events — for example, managing the federal government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic under the first Trump administration, or helping shelter unaccompanied minors who were intercepted at the southern border.

    Ms. Criswell agreed with the idea that states should do more to prepare for disasters, which could reduce the burden on FEMA. Like her predecessors, she tried to get states to strengthen their building codes to reduce their exposure to disasters. But there has been little movement among states that oppose tougher standards.

    In his Fox News interview, Mr. Trump said that FEMA had failed to do enough to help storm-damaged North Carolina last fall and that it was politically motivated. “The Democrats actually used FEMA not to help North Carolina,” Mr. Trump said on Wednesday.

    Mr. Criswell said Mr. Trump was wrong. She said that FEMA had deployed personnel to North Carolina before the storm made landfall, with an army of staff members and partners that eventually numbered in the thousands. “I don’t know what he thinks we should have been doing,” Ms. Criswell said.



    In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump has suggested that states should take the lead in managing disasters, rather than relying heavily on federal assistance through agencies like FEMA. This stance has garnered support from some former FEMA leaders, who argue that states are often better equipped to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies within their own borders.

    Trump’s remarks come in the wake of several high-profile disasters, including hurricanes, wildfires, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which have stretched federal resources thin and highlighted the need for a more localized approach to disaster response. Proponents of this shift in strategy argue that states are better positioned to understand the unique needs and challenges of their communities, allowing for a more tailored and efficient response.

    However, critics have raised concerns about the potential consequences of relying too heavily on states to manage disasters, warning that this approach could lead to disparities in resources and capabilities across different regions. They also point to the importance of federal coordination and support in responding to large-scale disasters that may overwhelm state and local resources.

    As the debate over the role of states in disaster management continues to unfold, it is clear that finding the right balance between federal and state involvement will be crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of communities across the country.

    Tags:

    1. Donald Trump
    2. States’ rights
    3. Disaster management
    4. FEMA
    5. Federalism
    6. Emergency response
    7. Disaster preparedness
    8. Government policy
    9. Political news
    10. Public safety

    #Trump #States #Manage #Disasters #FEMA #Leaders #Agree

  • Trump to visit Asheville and Los Angeles amid FEMA debate; president blames Zelensky for Russian invasion: Live updates


    Donald Trump signs order to declassify JFK, RFK and MLK assassination files

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    President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will visit hurricane-battered Asheville, North Carolina, on Friday morning before heading west to assess the damage in wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles.

    The visits come amid a debate about the future of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and after the president was highly critical of California Governor Gavin Newsom and local officials’ response to the disaster in that state.

    During the second part of his interview with Sean Hannity, which aired on Fox News last night, Trump blamed Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky for Russia’s invasion of his homeland.

    The president said Zelensky was “no angel” and had allowed the war to rumble on but added he would be prepared to impose massive tariffs on Moscow if Vladimir Putin refuses to enter talks on ending the conflict.

    Trump also said he “would rather not” place tariffs on China but insisted it was a “tremendous power” at his disposal in dealing with Beijing.

    Also on Thursday, the president declassified top secret files on the assassinations of John F Kennedy, Robert F Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr and saw his bid to end birthright citizenship challenged in court as “blatantly unconstitutional”.

    How Republicans could pay for Trump agenda and what it could cost you

    The president’s lofty agenda to tackle immigration, cut taxes across the board and reduce federal spending means Congress will need to find creative ways to fund his agenda while scaling back costs and some of those ideas could cost American taxpayers.

    Here’s Justin Baragona.

    Joe Sommerlad24 January 2025 14:55

    House Rules chair Virginia Foxx traveling with Trump today

    Oliver O’Connell24 January 2025 14:54

    Watch: Trump speaks with media as he departs White House

    President Donald Trump (L), alongside First Lady Melania Trump, speaks to reporters as he departs the White House for North Carolina, where he is expected to tour hurricane damage, followed by a visit to tour fire damage in Los Angeles
    President Donald Trump (L), alongside First Lady Melania Trump, speaks to reporters as he departs the White House for North Carolina, where he is expected to tour hurricane damage, followed by a visit to tour fire damage in Los Angeles (EPA)

    Departing the White House, President Trump criticizes the disaster response in both North Carolina and Los Angeles.

    “North Carolina, it’s been a horrible thing the way it’s been allowed to fester. And we’re going to get it fixed up,” the president said.

    He yet again claims the Los Angeles wildfires “could have been put out if they let the water flow. But they didn’t let the water flow.”

    Trump also appeared unsure whether Pete Hegseth would be confirmed as his defense secretary.

    “Whatever it is, it is. He’s a good man. I don’t know what’s going to happen. You never know with those things. Pete’s a very good man. I hope he makes it. I hope he makes it.”

    The president told reporters he is “very surprised that [Susan] Collins and [Lisa] Murkowski would do that,” by voting no on Hegseth. “Of course, Mitch [McConnell] is always a no-vote, I guess. Is Mitch a no-vote?”

    McConnell voted to advance the nomination. The final vote is likely this evening.

    Oliver O’Connell24 January 2025 14:49

    Trump uses full stairs to board Air Force One

    President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump board Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on January 24, 2025
    President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump board Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on January 24, 2025 (AFP via Getty Images)

    Donald Trump climbed aboard Air Force One for the first trip of his second administration, using full-sized stairs from the tarmac to the plane.

    His predecessor, Joe Biden, often used a small set of stairs that took him into the belly of the plane.

    Trump used the full set of stairs to reach the front of the aircraft’s cabin as he prepared to fly Friday to North Carolina, then Los Angeles, then Las Vegas.

    Oliver O’Connell24 January 2025 14:44

    Trump is a ‘dictator that the American people voted for’, says Newsmax host

    Gushing over Trump’s “shock and awe” flood of executive orders upon returning to the White House, Newsmax host Rob Finnerty excitedly declared this week that the president was indeed a “dictator on day one” and one “that the American people voted for.”

    Justin Baragaona has this one.

    Joe Sommerlad24 January 2025 14:40

    Trump departs White House for North Carolina and California visits

    President Donald Trump speaks to the media, next to first lady Melania Trump, during departure from the White House on a visit to Asheville, NC, and Los Angeles, CA.
    President Donald Trump speaks to the media, next to first lady Melania Trump, during departure from the White House on a visit to Asheville, NC, and Los Angeles, CA. (REUTERS)

    Donald Trump began his first trip as president on Friday, heading to hurricane-battered Asheville in western North Carolina and wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles. He is using this first trip of his second administration to tour areas where politics has clouded the response to deadly disasters.

    The Republican president has criticized former President Joe Biden’s administration’s response in North Carolina and shown disdain for California leaders’ water policies, which he falsely claimed worsened the recent blazes.

    Trump is also considering overhauling the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Some of his conservative allies have proposed reducing the amount the agency reimburses states for handling floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other calamities.

    As he departed the White House just after 9 a.m., the president answered questions from a large media contingent. He said he was “very surprised” that Senators Collins and Murkowski voted against Pete Hegseth, his pick for defense secretary.

    With reporting by the Associated Press

    Oliver O’Connell24 January 2025 14:28

    Trump is ‘no hero’ for releasing Kennedy assassination files, says JFK’s grandson

    John F Kennedy’s grandson has hit out at Donald Trump’s decision to release highly-classified JFK assassination files that have kept from the public for over half a century.

    Jack Schlossberg took to X on Thursday in response to Trump’s executive order to declassify records on his grandfather’s murder in 1963, plus those of Senator Robert F Kennedy in 1968 and Dr Martin Luther King Jr the same year – three deaths that have sparked countless conspiracy theories.

    “The truth is a lot sadder than the myth – a tragedy that didn’t need to happen. Not part of an inevitable grand scheme,” he wrote.

    “Declassification is using JFK as a political prop, when he’s not here to punch back.

    “There’s nothing heroic about it.”

    Madeline Sherratt reports.

    Joe Sommerlad24 January 2025 14:10

    The man who controls what comes across Trump’s desk

    Those binders full of executive orders that Trump has been signing with a flourish and a wide-tipped Sharpie all week don’t just magically appear before him.

    White House staff secretary Will Scharf has been a prominent part of the tableau, standing at Trump’s side and teeing up the leather-bound folders, one by one, for the president to scrawl his John Hancock across.

    With the cameras rolling, Scharf provides running narration on what Trump is signing, at times leaning into a nearby microphone at the president’s direction for effect.

    Joe Sommerlad24 January 2025 13:55

    MTG has meltdown when reporter asks her about Jan 6 pardons

    Georgia’s MAGA Represenative has lashed out at a reporter who asked about Trump’s sweeping pardons for January 6 criminals, telling Punchbowl News’s Melanie Zanon: “I’m not doing this.”

    Infuriated by the line of questioning, Greene continued: “All of y’all’s obsession with January 6 is absurd. Everybody outside of here is sick and f***ing tired of it.”

    The exchange took place in the halls of the Capitol building, the site of the riot four years ago.

    Kelly Rissman has the story.

    Joe Sommerlad24 January 2025 13:40

    Trump is ‘quintessential New York con man’, says AOC

    The progressive Democrat has been sharing her thoughts with The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart on the new Trump administration in its earliest days, notably characterizing the president’s inauguration earlier this week “a billionaire feeding frenzy”.

    Joe Sommerlad24 January 2025 13:25



    President Trump will be visiting Asheville, North Carolina and Los Angeles, California in the midst of a heated debate over FEMA funding for disaster relief. The president has been facing criticism for his handling of the situation, with many accusing him of not doing enough to help those affected by recent natural disasters.

    In a shocking turn of events, President Trump has also placed blame on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine. Trump claimed that Zelensky’s actions have provoked Russian aggression and that the Ukrainian leader should take responsibility for the consequences.

    As Trump prepares to visit Asheville and Los Angeles, tensions are running high and protests are expected in both cities. Stay tuned for live updates on the president’s visit and the ongoing FEMA debate. #Trump #Asheville #LosAngeles #FEMA #Zelensky #Russia #Ukraine #LiveUpdates

    Tags:

    1. Trump visit Asheville
    2. Trump visit Los Angeles
    3. FEMA debate
    4. President blames Zelensky
    5. Russian invasion
    6. Live updates
    7. Trump news
    8. Political news
    9. Current events
    10. Trump administration

    #Trump #visit #Asheville #Los #Angeles #FEMA #debate #president #blames #Zelensky #Russian #invasion #Live #updates

  • Trump claims FEMA is getting ‘in the way’ and pitches abolishing it during first interview since return to White House


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    Your support makes all the difference.

    President Donald Trump on Wednesday floated abolishing the federal agency charged with the response to all kinds of natural disasters and other emergencies across the nation, and leave the task of responding to emergencies up to individual state governments instead.

    Speaking to Fox News host Sean Hannity in his first television interview since he was sworn in for his second term on Monday, Trump repeated false claims made during the election by online activists who alleged that the Biden administration did not send federal resources to North Carolina after a pair of hurricanes hit the state last fall.

    He blamed the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has been the point agency for federal disaster response since its creation during the Carter administration.

    “The Democrats don’t care about North Carolina. What they’ve done with FEMA is so bad. FEMA is a whole other discussion, because all it does is complicate everything,” he insisted. “FEMA has not done their job for the last four years,” said Trump, who added that the agency, which has been part of the Department of Homeland Security since 2003, had been “working really well” before he left office.

    “Unless you have certain types of leadership, it really gets in the way,” he said of the federal agency.

    Trump told Hannity that FEMA should “be a whole big discussion very shortly,” and said he’d prefer ending the agency’s federal mission and makeindividual states responsible for dealing with natural disasters, terrorist attacks and other matters normally handled by the federal agency.

    “You know what? If they get hit with a tornado or something, let Oklahoma fix it … and then the federal government can help them out with the money. FEMA is getting in the way of everything. And the Democrats actually use FEMA not to help North Carolina. It makes no sense,” he said.

    Trump also threatened to cut off disaster aid for states that are run by Democrats if their state governments don’t help with his effort to enact a mass deportation of non-white migrants who’ve come to the U.S. in recent years, including those who are awaiting court dates to argue claims for asylum.

    Specificallty, he echoed calls for California to be denied federal resources to recover from the massive wildfires that have burned an area larger than some of the largest cities in America unless the state’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom agrees to reverse sanctuary policies that prevent state and local police from cooperating with immigration enforcement.

    He also accused Newsom, of exacerbating the disaster by deliberately mismanaging water supplies in the state and failing to properly manage forests.

    “I don’t think we should give California anything until they let water flow down into there just from the north to the south,” he said.



    In a shocking turn of events, President Trump has claimed that FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is getting ‘in the way’ of his administration’s efforts and has pitched abolishing the agency altogether. This announcement comes during his first interview since returning to the White House after being hospitalized with COVID-19.

    Trump has long been critical of FEMA, accusing the agency of being inefficient and wasteful. In the interview, he stated that FEMA is hindering his administration’s ability to respond to disasters and emergencies effectively.

    The president went on to suggest that abolishing FEMA would allow for a more streamlined and efficient response to emergencies, as resources could be allocated more directly to states and local governments.

    Critics have been quick to condemn Trump’s proposal, arguing that FEMA plays a vital role in coordinating disaster response efforts and providing much-needed assistance to communities in need. Abolishing the agency, they say, would leave the country vulnerable to disasters and emergencies without a centralized and organized response system in place.

    It remains to be seen whether Trump’s proposal to abolish FEMA will gain any traction, but it is certainly a controversial and bold move that is sure to spark debate and discussion in the coming days.

    Tags:

    1. Trump FEMA controversy
    2. Abolishing FEMA
    3. Trump White House interview
    4. FEMA criticism
    5. Trump administration news
    6. Emergency management debate
    7. FEMA role in disasters
    8. Trump policy proposals
    9. Federal Emergency Management Agency
    10. Trump FEMA statement

    #Trump #claims #FEMA #pitches #abolishing #interview #return #White #House