Trump's FEMA Phase-Out Plan Faces Texas Flood Test

President Donald Trump recently announced his intention to begin phasing out the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after the current hurricane season, aiming to shift disaster response responsibilities to the state level. However, the administration's response to the devastating floods in Texas has closely resembled the traditional FEMA model, raising questions about the feasibility of Trump's proposed reforms.

The president swiftly approved Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s request for a major disaster declaration, activating FEMA resources and unlocking assistance for survivors and local governments. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem highlighted the rapid deployment of funds and resources, aligning with Trump's vision of a streamlined FEMA operation. Noem described the response as similar to the "state block grants" model, which Trump has promoted as a replacement for FEMA's current reimbursement system.

Former FEMA officials, however, argue that the federal response in Texas does not significantly differ from FEMA's typical role in disasters. They emphasize that FEMA's coordination and funding support are essential, especially when states face overwhelming catastrophes. Michael Coen, FEMA chief of staff during the Obama and Biden administrations, questioned how the administration would support states in the absence of FEMA.

FEMA's roles in Texas include coordinating resources from other federal agencies, administering the National Flood Insurance Program, and providing individual and public assistance to survivors and local governments. The agency's support is crucial for states, even those as capable as Texas, which relies heavily on federal grants for its emergency management budget.

Experts warn that eliminating FEMA would leave states struggling to replace its comprehensive support. States would need to set up their own recovery programs and coordinate with various federal agencies, a task that would be particularly challenging for less capable states. While reforms to improve FEMA's efficiency are possible, eliminating the agency risks leaving significant gaps in disaster recovery efforts.

The future of federal disaster response remains uncertain. Trump has established a review council to propose FEMA reforms, with Governor Abbott and Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd among its members. Abbott has criticized FEMA's past performance but praised Trump's quick disaster declaration in Texas. However, recent policy changes, such as the discontinuation of door-to-door canvassing for assistance enrollment, may impact Texas' recovery efforts. Additionally, Abbott's request for hazard mitigation funding, which helps communities rebuild with resilience, is still pending approval.