Washinngton DC: US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to create a review council for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on January 26, shortly after stating he was thinking about ‘eliminating’ the key organization that responds to disasters, even labeling it a ‘major disappointment.’
“FEMA has turned out to be a disaster, I think we recommend that FEMA go away,” Trump said.
Donald Trump made the comments during a trip to North Carolina and California, both affected by hurricanes and wildfires, respectively, promising to sign an executive order to reform or abolish the agency.
Trump urged the council to convene its initial public meeting within 90 days and to present a report to him within 180 days following that first meeting.
What Is FEMA?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was established in April 1979, under President Jimmy Carter, and is part of the Department of Homeland Security. Headquartered in Washington, DC, FEMA intervenes during disasters in the U.S. when local and state resources are inadequate, deploying workers, resources, and tools to affected areas.
With a staff of 20,000, this number can rise to over 50,000 during emergencies, coordinating from 10 regional offices. Currently, FEMA is responding to 108 significant disasters and 10 emergency declarations, with 17% of its workforce engaged in disaster response.
The agency’s funding comes from Congress, receiving $29 billion in December 2024 for ongoing relief efforts. FEMA has faced criticism, including from Donald Trump regarding its management of aid in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.
The agency’s interim director, Cameron Hamilton, a former US Navy Seal, described FEMA as a vital organization for national security in a message to his team.
