FEMA Scaling Back Role, Leaving States More in Charge of Disaster Response

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s acting chief has unveiled intentions to delegate more responsibility for disaster recovery to individual states. David Richardson, in a recent staff town hall, expressed his aim to “return primacy to the states” in what is being seen as a significant transformation for the agency.

Richardson’s comments have cemented the Trump administration’s intent to bring about a major shift in FEMA’s mission. The strategy for the 2025 disaster season, according to Richardson, is to enhance the states’ capabilities for response and recovery while providing federal assistance “when deemed necessary.” This approach aligns with the broader Trump administration’s effort to restructure and downsize the federal government.

It’s important to note that such changes come as the Atlantic hurricane season looms, with scientists predicting an above-average 17 named storms and four major hurricanes. Richardson maintains that FEMA is largely prepared for the 2025 disaster season and will be submitting a plan detailing their readiness to the Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem.

According to reliable sources, there has been speculation about FEMA’s future within the Trump administration. The acting chief, who replaced former acting chief Cameron Hamilton, has downplayed the likelihood of FEMA being eliminated. Instead, he envisions realizing President Trump’s model of disaster management, which emphasizes shifting a significant part of response and recovery responsibilities to the states.

Richardson believes that some states, including Florida and Texas, already have adequate disaster preparedness measures. He cautioned, however, that other states should brace for greater financial responsibility, as federal cost-sharing for tasks such as public infrastructure repairs could change soon. FEMA assistance is typically provided when a governor requests and the president approves a major disaster declaration, based on the event’s impact exceeding the state’s capacity to respond.

This raises important questions about the readiness and resources of states to shoulder more disaster response and recovery responsibilities. Jeremy Edwards, FEMA deputy director of public affairs during the Biden administration, voiced concerns about this, particularly when some states lack the funds to respond to and recover from catastrophic events.

As part of the long-term restructuring, Richardson indicated that FEMA will be conducting a “mission analysis” to ensure its activities align strictly with its legal mandate. Further, a 13-member FEMA review council, chaired by Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has been established by President Trump to recommend changes to the agency.

The significance of this should not be overlooked. If Richardson’s plans are realized, it could potentially result in further staff reductions as more of the agency’s functions are transferred to states. Since President Trump took office, about 2,000 full-time staff have left the agency, a loss of approximately one-third of the agency’s full-time workforce.

FEMA, a key federal agency responsible for disaster recovery, is set for a transformation. The agency intends to shift more responsibility onto individual states, a move that raises questions about states’ preparedness and the impact on federal disaster response efforts.