WASHINGTON, D.C. (LOOTPRESS) — President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that his administration plans to phase out the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following the conclusion of the 2025 hurricane season.
Speaking during a press briefing at the White House, Trump said the decision stems from what he described as a need to “streamline disaster response and return more control to the states.”
“After this hurricane season, we’re going to begin winding down FEMA,” Trump said. “The states should take the lead in managing their own emergencies. We’re going to help them transition, but the federal government can’t do everything forever.”
Trump did not provide a detailed timeline for the agency’s full dissolution but indicated that his administration will work with governors and emergency officials throughout the process. He said federal disaster relief funds would be redirected to individual states to manage their own emergency services and preparedness programs.
FEMA, established in 1979, has played a central role in coordinating federal disaster response and recovery efforts for hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other major emergencies. It currently operates under the Department of Homeland Security.
Critics of the plan say phasing out FEMA could leave many states — especially those with fewer resources — unprepared to handle large-scale natural disasters. Emergency management experts warn the move could delay response times, reduce coordination, and jeopardize recovery efforts.
The announcement comes ahead of what is forecasted to be an above-average hurricane season, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Congressional leaders from both parties are expected to weigh in on the proposal in the coming days, with some already expressing concern over the agency’s potential elimination.
