Kristi Noem Explores Abolishing FEMA, Restructuring Disaster Relief

Potential Changes to FEMA Under Consideration

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is reportedly evaluating the possibility of dismantling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), according to a recent article by Bloomberg News.

FEMA, a federal body, is responsible for providing disaster relief for various emergencies, including hurricanes, wildfires, and pandemics.

Following directives from Noem, a memo was drafted by FEMA on March 25, outlining potential pathways for the agency’s abolition and restructuring. Among the key suggestions were reductions in aid and the cessation of long-term housing support for disaster victims.

Former FEMA adviser Carrie Speranza explained to Bloomberg, “this just means you should not expect to see FEMA on the ground unless it’s 9/11, Katrina, [or] Superstorm Sandy.”

The idea of reducing the scope of FEMA’s disaster response is also part of Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation’s plan for a potential second term for former President Trump. More details on this can be found here.

Established in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, FEMA was created to help states struggling with disasters like the Love Canal toxic waste crisis and the Three Mile Island nuclear incident. It became part of the Department of Homeland Security after the 9/11 attacks.

FEMA has faced opposition from Republicans from its early days. In 2012, Mitt Romney suggested its elimination during his presidential campaign. In 2019, President Donald Trump proposed a $667 million budget cut for FEMA, which was later dismissed by Congress. The proposal details are available here.

That same year, Trump redirected millions from FEMA to border security, just before the COVID-19 pandemic began affecting the United States; more information can be found here.

Currently, FEMA operates with a budget of $20.3 billion. However, recent cuts to a FEMA grant program, which aids state storm preparedness, have been enacted under Trump’s administration. A CBS News analysis indicates these cuts disproportionately impact states that supported Trump in the 2024 election, such as North Carolina, which suffered significant damage from Hurricane Helene.

Any efforts to abolish FEMA would likely face legal hurdles, as congressional approval is necessary, similar to the situation with the Department of Education.