Trump hints at eliminating FEMA as he visits disaster-stricken areas | US News
Donald Trump has toured disaster-stricken areas in California and North Carolina, suggesting he may consider “dismantling” the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
In California, the president surveyed neighborhoods devastated by wildfires aboard Marine One, the presidential helicopter.
Trump and first lady Melania Trump landed in Pacific Palisades, a community in Los Angeles particularly affected by the blaze, known for its affluent residents. The couple walked through a street littered with charred homes and spoke with local inhabitants.
“It’s heartbreaking. It truly is an incineration,” said Mr. Trump.
Mr Trump flies over areas of Los Angeles devastated by wildfires in Marine One. Pics: AP
Upon arrival in Los Angeles, California’s governor Gavin Newsom welcomed Mr. Trump, and despite their history of conflict—Trump has previously referred to him as “Newscum”—the interaction seemed amicable.
“We’ll need your support. We’re going to need your help,” Mr. Newsom said.
Mr Newsom welcomes Mr Trump to Los Angeles. Pic: AP
During a news conference, when mayor Karen Bass assured residents that they could return home within the week, prioritizing safety from hazardous materials, Mr. Trump interjected, questioning: “What’s hazardous waste? We need to clearly define that.”
The president has openly criticized California’s water management practices, especially those aimed at fish conservation in the northern region, claiming they aggravated the wildfires.
He emphasized, “I’ll look into a fire that might have been extinguished if they had allowed the water to flow, but they didn’t.”
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Donald Trump and Melania tour the hard-hit Pacific Palisades neighbourhood. Pic: AP
President labels FEMA ‘a disaster’
Earlier that day, Mr. Trump visited North Carolina, still recovering from September’s Hurricane Helene, where he expressed thoughts on abolishing FEMA.
“FEMA has proven to be a disaster,” Mr. Trump remarked. “I think we ought to consider shutting it down.”
The agency is responsible for responding to natural disasters, providing reimbursement to state governments for recovery actions, and offering temporary financial support to affected individuals. To date, it has allocated $319 million in assistance to residents in North Carolina.
Mr. Trump proposed that instead of routing financial relief through FEMA, direct assistance could be provided from Washington to the states in need.
“I would prefer to see the states handle disaster responses,” he stated. “Let the states take care of the tornadoes, hurricanes, and other emergencies that arise.”
