'We're not preparing': As Trump officials vow to eliminate FEMA, the agency is already in turmoil

[Eugene]

Source: CNN

‘We’re not preparing’: As Trump officials vow to eliminate FEMA, the agency is already in turmoil

By Gabe Cohen, CNN
5 minute read
Published 11:04 AM EDT, Wed March 26, 2025

(CNN) — As Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem vows to “eliminate FEMA,” the agency is in turmoil, with disaster assistance, grant money, and hiring largely stalled, threatening its ability to respond to major disasters, multiple FEMA officials tell CNN.

Top officials from FEMA and Department of Homeland Security met Tuesday, CNN has learned, to discuss the future of the disaster relief agency and their options for shutting it down.

The group, which included Noem, FEMA Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton, and long-time Trump ally Corey Lewandowski, debated the possibility of rescinding President Donald Trump’s recent executive order establishing a FEMA Review Council and instead moving more quickly to dismantle the agency, according to multiple sources familiar with the meeting.

It’s the latest in a series of actions and attacks on FEMA that have stalled the agency’s work and raised concerns about its ability to respond to hurricane season, which is just weeks away.

-snip-

Read more: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/26/politics/fema-payments-staffing-stalled-turmoil/index.html

[SARose]

1. My husband and I received FEMA help

Hurricane Ike caused minimal damage to our home just fences and trees down. However, we were a little more than 2 weeks without power.

We purchased a chain saw - reimbursed by FEMA

We purchased a small generator to run fan & tv -reimbursed by FEMA

A FEMA inspector (a veteran) came to our home to survey damage and write a check.

Debris removal - paid for by FEMA.

MRE’s, ice and drinking water - provided by FEMA and distributed by National Guard.

I do not believe Abbott, Patrick, or Paxton can or would provide this level of assistance.

Home Owners insurance paid for fence reinstallation and $500 for spoiled frozen food.