As he departed on his first trip since taking office to visit communities still devastated by hurricanes and wildfires, President Trump reportedly announced that he would sign an executive order to restructure or eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
He stated that his administration is looking into methods to give governors more authority for disaster response, as well as sending more funding directly to states.
The organization, which has over 20,000 workers and an annual budget in the tens of billions of dollars, is in charge of coordinating with state and local authorities to respond to natural disasters including flooding, wildfires, and storms.
Eliminating a federal agency is likely to require congressional approval.
“I think, frankly, FEMA is not good. FEMA has turned out to be a disaster…I think we’re going to recommend that FEMA go away.” Trump said.
Four months after the hurricane struck western North Carolina, the president received an update on recovery work in the Asheville area and spoke with affected families.
State figures show that 42 individuals were slain in Buncombe County, which includes Asheville.
Thousands of homes were destroyed, and local officials estimate that the damage totals more than $50 billion.
Trump will then drive to Los Angeles to tour the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, which has been devastated by the devastating wildfires, and receive a briefing from local leaders.
Trump told reporters that he would condition additional federal help for Los Angeles on the state enacting voter ID laws, which require voters to show certain government identity before voting, and on more water being “released.”
Trump has mentioned California’s water management in his criticism of local officials.
Trump has criticized Democrats’ response to flames in the Palisades, Altadena, and other areas of Los Angeles County.
The Republican Trump has accused Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom of “gross incompetence,” branding him “Newscum” and urging him to quit.
Newsom has accused Trump of politicizing the fires, but he has chosen a less combative stance because the city will require strong coordination among federal, state, and local officials.
Prior to his visit, Trump stated that he had not considered meeting with Newsom. The governor’s office stated that he will meet Trump on the tarmac.
The flames have killed at least 28 people and burned over 15,000 houses, especially in the Palisades and Altadena. Two additional fires erupted in Los Angeles County earlier this week.
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