The Trump administration reports that, after 200 days in office, it has made significant changes to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aimed at improving disaster response times and effectiveness. President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have led reforms they say address long-standing issues of inefficiency and bureaucracy.
The announcement comes on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which struck Louisiana on August 29, 2005. The storm displaced families across all 50 states and caused billions in damages. According to the administration, FEMA’s response at the time was “slow, ineffective, and bureaucratic,” with some claims from that period still unresolved.
Recent events were also referenced by the administration. In 2024, Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina and other Southeastern states. The press release criticized the previous Biden administration’s handling of disaster relief during that period, alleging misuse of FEMA funds and politicization of aid distribution.
Under current leadership, officials say FEMA is now twice as fast in providing funding to communities affected by disasters compared to previous years. The average time for getting funding directly to survivors has reportedly dropped from 17 days to about 12 days. Deployment of FEMA personnel is also said to be faster: “On average, it took two full days to get FEMA employees to where they need to go... The Trump administration is now getting FEMA personnel on the ground within a single day.”
In response to flooding in Texas on July Fourth, Texas Governor Greg Abbott described federal and state efforts as “the fastest and most coordinated federal-state response” Texas has experienced. Combined rescue teams evacuated or rescued over 1,500 people during that event.
Chief of Texas Division of Emergency Management Nim Kidd commented on recent efforts: “I’ve been doing this for more than 30 years, and I can say with confidence that this was the fastest and most effective federal support Texas has ever received. Thanks to Secretary Noem’s leadership, Texas Task Force 1 was fully equipped and trained to respond immediately under my direction on July 4, and every additional Urban Search and Rescue team we requested was deployed without delay. That kind of partnership - moving the right resources at the right time - saved lives and made all the difference in our response.”
Following Hurricane Helene earlier this year, nearly $3 billion has been allocated for recovery in affected areas since January 20, including $350 million specifically for North Carolina's recovery efforts. Approximately $2.6 billion was designated for debris removal by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), aided by an executive order signed by President Trump intended to speed up cleanup operations.
The Department of Homeland Security reports that debris removal progress is high in California after recent disasters—92% complete overall—with nearly all properties cleared. New Mexico also received rapid funding following recent flooding events.
Secretary Noem has overseen approval of more than $1.7 billion in Individual Assistance nationwide along with $14.1 billion for Public Assistance grants supporting housing repairs and infrastructure rebuilding.
A review council continues work on further reforming FEMA programs with a focus on eliminating waste or abuse while improving accountability.
