Stormy Forecast For FEMA and the Future of Mitigation Policy

The Trump administration aims to announce a plan to overhaul the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in late 2025.

According to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, an appointed council will craft recommendations to reimagine FEMA and shift responsibilities to state governments. President Trump called for a phase out of FEMA and "wean[ing]" the nation off the current approach to disaster management, recovery, and mitigation.

Trump Plans FEMA Overhaul, Shifts Responsibility

The move comes on the heels of a series of shifts in the federal approach to hazard mitigation. In April, FEMA announced the suspension of all funding for the agency's main mitigation grant program, Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC). That suspension includes not only new grants but also a rescission of unobligated balances from grants dating back to 2020.

FEMA also changed mitigation planning requirements to enforce Executive Orders targeting equity requirements. In addition, President Trump has stopped approvals of state requests for mitigation assistance that have traditionally accompanied disaster declarations.

Administration may shift most disaster mitigation responsibilities to states

FEMA has been a target since the first week of the Trump administration, when an Executive Order was signed criticizing FEMA and establishing a reform council. The administration also suspended more than $2.2 billion in state and local grants.

Criticism of the agency isn't just coming from the White House. Bipartisan draft legislation released by the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee would streamline FEMA processes and make many programs more "state and locally driven." Other legislation would convert most FEMA activities into a state block grant. Even some past FEMA Administrators have urged changes in the state and local reimbursement program.

FEMA overhaul faces legal and funding hurdles

While the Trump administration has some policy discretion, it will face legal problems with deep, unilaterally imposed reforms given statutes governing FEMA programs like the Stafford Act. Eliminating FEMA will require action on Capitol Hill, and despite the calls for reform, it is notable that new funding bills in the House Appropriations Committee have included money for some of the programs under attack by the administration.

Still, FEMA faces a range of criticisms and looks to be headed for some major changes. The shape and future of the federal role in state and local hazard mitigation plans and projects are very much in question.

Top image: iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus - Chris Allan