United States: On Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump created a review council for checking the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) operations through an executive order but avoided closing down or transforming the lead disaster response organization.
Initial Public Meeting and Reporting Timeline
The executive order mandates the formation of a council that includes key federal officials combined with external “distinguished individuals” that Trump has personally chosen. The president asked the council to convene their initial session for public attendance during the first 90 days while requiring them to present their findings to him within 180 days following their initial gathering, as reported by Reuters.
President Trump has signed an executive order aimed at overhauling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
— Badlands Media (@BadlandsMedia_) January 27, 2025
The executive order establishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council, a task force charged with evaluating FEMA and proposing reforms in a report… pic.twitter.com/nm6yDU53Hq
Past Criticism of FEMA
Trump tested the idea of eliminating FEMA while visiting disaster sites in North Carolina and California before vowing to use executive orders for agency modification or elimination.
During his visits to disaster areas in North Carolina and California, Trump blamed FEMA for management failures and stated his preference for states to administer disaster relief with federal funding.
Trump indicated through his executive order the existence of major political biases at FEMA while directing agency funds toward migrant-related programs.
Concerns About FEMA’s Focus and Funding
FEMA dispatches emergency workers together with supplies and equipment to assist communities recovering from natural disasters. Over the past few years, the agency’s funding has dramatically increased because extreme weather events generate a greater need for assistance programs.
FEMA’s Continued Role Amid Challenges
FEMA Acting Head Cam Hamilton wrote to agency staff on Friday emphasizing the essential role of FEMA operations for national disaster relief measures, as reported by Reuters.
The agency has faced a major challenge from misinformation throughout the past year, particularly regarding disaster responses in North Carolina and Florida.