Federal Emergency Management Agency
Coverage of Federal Emergency Management Agency in the Nexus archive.
- The Trump administration is ramping up pressure on states to change election practices
The Trump administration is threatening to withhold federal funding from states that do not alter voting practices and warning election officials of potential arrest for failing to remove noncitizens from voter rolls. Letters to states and grant requirements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) emphasize compliance with election-related mandates, including verifying citizenship of registrants.
- The Trump administration is ramping up pressure on states to change election practices
The Trump administration is pressuring states to alter election practices by threatening federal funding cuts and prosecution for noncompliance, including removing noncitizens from voter rolls. The Justice Department sent letters to all 50 states and the District of Columbia, while FEMA linked antiterrorism grants to election-related requirements.
- The Trump administration is ramping up pressure on states to change election practices
The Trump administration is pressuring states to alter election practices by threatening federal funding cuts and criminal prosecution for officials who do not remove noncitizens from voter rolls. The Justice Department sent letters to all 50 states and the District of Columbia, while a FEMA grant program ties funding to compliance with election-related requirements.
- Trump finally approves disaster relief for Wisconsin flood and weather victims
President Donald Trump approved $22.6 million in disaster relief for Wisconsin counties and the Oneida Nation affected by historic April storms, including tornadoes, heavy rain, and flash flooding. The assistance covers temporary housing, home repairs, and low-cost loans for uninsured property losses, with Trump highlighting his communication with Republican candidate Tom Tiffany regarding the aid.
- Federal audit finds Puerto Rico awaiting billions of dollars nearly a decade after deadly hurricane
A federal audit found that only 25% of $14 billion in federal funds obligated for Puerto Rico's power grid recovery after Hurricane Maria has been disbursed nearly a decade later. Chronic blackouts and delays in infrastructure projects persist, with only 400 miles of planned transmission lines cleared using federal funds as of February 2026.
- Federal audit finds Puerto Rico awaiting billions of dollars nearly a decade after deadly hurricane
A federal audit found that only 25% of $14 billion in federal funds for Puerto Rico’s power grid recovery after Hurricane Maria has been disbursed nearly a decade later. Delays include staff turnover, complex project reviews, Puerto Rico’s financial struggles, and a former policy requiring manual approval for large expenditures.
- Budd opposes Trump’s latest funding request due to lack of Helene relief
Sen. Ted Budd opposes President Donald Trump’s $87.6 billion funding request, which excludes federal aid for Hurricane Helene recovery in western North Carolina. Budd highlights ongoing infrastructure and housing needs, stating current resources are insufficient. Thom Tillis, North Carolina’s senior senator, has not publicly commented but has previously opposed Trump’s funding requests.
- Official who claims to have once teleported to Waffle House on leave at FEMA
A Trump administration appointee, Gregg Phillips, who claims to have teleported to a Waffle House, is on leave from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for personal reasons. FEMA confirmed that Phillips, who was leading a key disaster response office, is taking leave.
- Access programs that help you recover after a disaster, from emergency aid to long-term recovery
The article outlines disaster recovery programs in Tennessee, including state and federal resources like TEMA and FEMA, as well as nonprofit support from The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. It lists contact details and online options for accessing emergency aid, housing assistance, and emotional support services.
- Chu Lauds Continued Eaton Fire Survivor Access to Federal Housing Aid Under Extended Deadlines
Federal disaster aid for survivors of the Eaton Fire will continue through extended deadlines approved by FEMA, allowing eligible homeowners assistance until July 9, 2027, and renters until October 9, 2026. The extension applies to areas like Altadena and Pasadena, where the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires caused destruction.
- Feds ask judge to toss suit over government hiring plans
A federal judge in California is likely to advance a case challenging the Trump administration's efforts to reduce the federal workforce, denying the government's motion to dismiss a supplemental complaint. The case focuses on Department of Homeland Security plans to eliminate temporary Federal Emergency Management Agency positions, with the judge moving the dispute to the summary judgment phase.
- Whitmer appeals FEMA denial of aid after deadly Michigan tornados
Governor Gretchen Whitmer filed an appeal against FEMA's denial of federal assistance for Michigan residents affected by deadly March 6 tornadoes that caused four fatalities and significant damage. FEMA denied aid on May 31, including funding for hazard mitigation, but low-interest loans from the SBA remain available for affected areas in Southwest Michigan.
- Deed fraud can cause vulnerable Detroiters to lose their homes – here’s why it’s hard to catch the thieves
Kim Page, a Detroit homeowner, became a victim of deed fraud after purchasing a home in 2021 and investing $27,000 in repairs. Scammers forged her property title, changed locks, and left her facing legal and financial consequences. Deed fraud, often involving cash transactions, is a growing nationwide issue disproportionately affecting vulnerable homeowners.
- No maps, no insurance: Michigan floods expose lack of information, preparation in many rural areas
Michigan's historic floods exposed gaps in flood insurance availability and outdated federal flood plain maps, leaving many rural residents unprepared. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maps, which determine insurance requirements, lack coverage in less-populated areas and fail to account for rainfall-induced flooding exacerbated by climate change.
- Training for the next disaster: NFD canines tackle skills test in Memphis
Tennessee Task Force 2 with the Nashville Fire Department sent four canine search teams to Memphis for a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Foundational Skills Assessment. The training evaluates critical capabilities needed for disaster search certification, including locating victims, navigating obstacles, and responding to handler commands.
- FEMA nominee pressed on whether Trump favors disaster funding requests from GOP states
Cameron Hamilton, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead FEMA, testified before a U.S. Senate committee that he would ensure disaster recovery efforts are objective and fair. Democratic senators questioned whether Republican-controlled states receive disproportionately more disaster funding, citing a Politico report showing 89% approval for GOP states versus 23% for Democratic states. Trump has advocated reducing FEMA's role and shifting disaster response responsibilities to state governments.
- FEMA nominee pressed on whether Trump favors disaster funding requests from GOP states
FEMA nominee Cameron Hamilton testified before the Senate that he would ensure objective disaster recovery efforts if confirmed. Democrats questioned whether Republican states receive disproportionate disaster funding, citing a report showing 89% approval for GOP-controlled states versus 23% for Democratic states. President Trump has advocated shifting FEMA responsibilities to state governments.
- FEMA nominee pressed on whether Trump favors disaster funding requests from GOP states
Cameron Hamilton, Trump's nominee to lead FEMA, testified before a Senate committee that he would ensure disaster recovery efforts are 'objective' and 'fair,' amid criticism from Democrats who cited a Politico report showing 23% of disaster funding requests from Democratic states were approved versus 89% for Republican-controlled states. Trump has advocated for shifting FEMA responsibilities to states, calling for reduced federal involvement.
- ‘Un-American’: Democrats attack Trump’s uneven disaster response
Democratic senators criticized President Donald Trump's disaster aid distribution, citing a report showing 89% approval of requests from Republican-led states versus 23% from Democratic-led states. They accused Trump of politicizing federal disaster assistance during a hearing for Cameron Hamilton's FEMA administrator nomination. Hamilton, who previously served as acting FEMA administrator, avoided addressing the discrepancy directly.
- Trump’s pick to lead FEMA pledges to be ‘fair and reasonable’ in assessing disaster aid requests
Cameron Hamilton, Donald Trump’s nominee to lead FEMA, pledged to assess disaster aid requests 'fairly and reasonably' during Senate hearings. Hamilton previously served as FEMA’s temporary head in 2025 before being fired after defending the agency’s existence. His nomination follows the administration’s shifting stance on FEMA, which had faced threats of dissolution.
- Trump's pick to lead FEMA pledges to be 'fair and reasonable' in assessing disaster aid requests
Cameron Hamilton, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead FEMA, pledged to assess disaster aid requests 'fairly and reasonably' during Senate hearings. Hamilton previously served as FEMA's temporary head in 2025 before being fired for defending the agency's existence. His nomination follows the administration's shift away from dismantling FEMA, an agency criticized by the president.
- Trump’s pick to lead FEMA pledges to be ‘fair and reasonable’ in assessing disaster aid requests
Cameron Hamilton, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead FEMA, pledged to assess disaster aid requests fairly and reasonably during Senate hearings. His nomination follows a period of uncertainty for the agency, which Trump previously threatened to dismantle. Hamilton previously served as FEMA’s temporary head until being fired after defending the agency’s existence.
- Calmer hurricane season expected in Atlantic as worries over federal response persist
The Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be less active than usual, with 8-14 named storms and 1-3 major hurricanes, but concerns persist over federal response capabilities due to proposed funding cuts to agencies like FEMA. Experts warn that reduced federal support could weaken states' ability to handle severe weather events, particularly as the Trump administration's cuts have strained infrastructure and personnel.
- Trump's pick to lead the nation's embattled disaster relief agency faces questions from senators
Cameron Hamilton, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead FEMA, faces Senate questions as he seeks to lead an agency under scrutiny. Hamilton previously served as FEMA's temporary head in 2025 but was fired after defending the agency's existence. His nomination comes amid shifting administration stances on FEMA's future and challenges including staff departures and operational hurdles.
- Calmer hurricane season expected in Atlantic as worries over federal response persist
The Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be less active than average due to El Niño, with NOAA forecasting 8-14 named storms and 1-3 major hurricanes. However, concerns persist about federal agencies' ability to respond to severe weather events due to proposed funding cuts and reorganization efforts under the Trump administration, as highlighted by the Center for American Progress.
- Calmer hurricane season expected in Atlantic as worries over federal response persist
The Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be less active due to El Niño, but concerns persist over federal agencies' ability to respond to storms due to proposed funding cuts. NOAA forecasts 8-14 named storms, with 3-6 becoming hurricanes, while policy analysts warn that reduced support for emergency response agencies could weaken state preparedness.
- Calmer hurricane season expected in Atlantic as worries over federal response persist
The Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be less intense this year due to El Niño, with 8-14 named storms and 1-3 major hurricanes predicted. However, concerns persist about weakened federal emergency response capabilities amid proposed funding cuts to agencies like FEMA and NOAA.
- FEMA approves more than $34 million for Tennessee disaster recovery projects
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved more than $34 million in funding for 18 disaster recovery projects across Tennessee. This funding aims to support recovery efforts following disasters in the state.
- FEMA to send additional $6M for South Carolina recovery effort
FEMA announced $6 million in funding to support recovery projects in South Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene, Tropical Storm Debby, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding aims to assist communities impacted by these disasters.
- US Democratic lawmakers pledge to help speed up disaster recovery in Puerto Rico
U.S. Democratic lawmakers pledged to address delays in Puerto Rico's disaster recovery, citing issues with federal reimbursement and project approvals. They highlighted challenges caused by a former Homeland Security policy requiring manual approval for large expenditures and ongoing staffing shortages at FEMA, which hindered recovery efforts from hurricanes and earthquakes.
- FEMA’s interim leader gives assurances, despite local concerns over disaster response
FEMA's interim administrator, Robert Fenton Jr., asserts the agency has sufficient resources with 20,000 employees, but local leaders express concerns over reduced staffing and leadership instability under the Trump administration. A coalition highlights departures of key personnel and delays in disaster response, citing recent floods in Texas as an example.
- FEMA staff losses leave questions about hurricane season
FEMA staffing losses following a tumultuous year raise concerns about its ability to respond to the upcoming hurricane season. The Trump administration has abandoned extreme proposals like eliminating FEMA or reducing its staff by 50 percent.
- FEMA acting chief at National Hurricane Center: Response ‘starts with local and state governments’
FEMA acting administrator Robert Fenton emphasized that disaster response starts with local and state governments during a visit to the National Hurricane Center. Miami-Dade County officials expressed readiness for the hurricane season, which has a 55% chance of being below normal.
- Trump admin pays Florida first $58 million in ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ reimbursements, state says
The Trump administration has paid Florida $58 million for operating the Everglades immigrant detention center known as 'Alligator Alcatraz,' the first of $608 million in federal reimbursements. The payment, approved by FEMA under its Detention Support Grant Program, covers operational costs such as staff salaries, meals, and medical supplies, but not construction expenses. Florida has spent $460 million on the facility so far, with total costs expected to reach $1 billion.
- House Dems seek GAO probe on Trump’s disaster declarations after high-profile denials
House Democrats Bennie Thompson and Timothy Kennedy are requesting the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) criteria for disaster declarations following high-profile denials of aid requests.
- FEMA acting head: ‘We’re ready for hurricane season’
Bob Fenton, acting administrator of FEMA, assured the public that the agency is prepared for hurricane season. The Trump administration is encouraging states to play a more active role in recovery efforts.
- ‘Wound down and shut down’ — Florida congressman says ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ coming to an end
Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost observed signs that the 'Alligator Alcatraz' migrant detention center is closing, with detainees being relocated and staff and offices being emptied. The facility, which cost an estimated $1 billion, was intended to be temporary and is expected to shut down by June, though officials deny formal communications about the closure. Florida awaits a $608 million reimbursement from FEMA.
- DHS Has Become Central to American Strategy, But Its Strategy Has Not Caught Up
The Department of Homeland Security has become central to American national security strategy following 9/11, but lacks a coherent institutional strategy to guide its disparate components. The 2025 National Security Strategy and recent Counterterrorism Strategy reflect a blurred line between foreign and domestic threats, including cartels, fentanyl trafficking, and cyber operations, yet DHS still lacks a strategic framework to align its mission effectively.
- FEMA approves fire management assistance grant for Sandy Fire
FEMA has approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help fight the Sandy Fire in Ventura County. The grant was authorized after California officials requested assistance on Monday. Federal funding will aid in battling the fire.
- Deadly tornadoes and floods threaten millions across 13 US states in HOURS
Millions of people across 13 US states are threatened by deadly tornadoes and floods within hours. The severe weather conditions pose a significant risk to life and property. Affected areas are bracing for impact.