Here’s what the Trump team had to say.
In a move that’s already sending shockwaves through the political world, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced plans to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during a live Cabinet meeting on Monday—sparking immediate praise from President Donald Trump.
While giving a key update on border security, Noem added a powerful statement:
“And we’re going to eliminate FEMA.”
Though brief, her comment lit up headlines. President Trump, without hesitation, responded with strong support:
“That’s great. Great job.”
This moment highlights Trump’s continuing mission to drain the swamp and remove bloated, ineffective federal agencies. Trump has long been skeptical of FEMA, calling for major changes and even suggesting its elimination.
“I’ll be issuing an executive order to start the process of deeply reforming FEMA—or possibly even phasing it out entirely. Honestly, I don’t think FEMA is doing a good job,” Trump said earlier this year.
Although a recent White House executive order stopped short of disbanding the agency, it did lay the groundwork for serious reform. The order directs Homeland Security to review disaster response policies, streamline communications, and ensure that state and local governments—not Washington bureaucrats—have more control during emergencies.
FEMA Under Fire: Is It Time for Big Changes?
FEMA is responsible for coordinating federal responses after natural disasters, including hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. However, critics say the agency is slow, inefficient, and burdened with red tape—leaving communities stranded when they need help most.
That’s why many conservatives are applauding Noem’s bold stance. Americans across the country are fed up with federal overreach and demand local solutions, not more Washington waste.
But not everyone agrees.
Democrats were quick to push back. Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) issued a statement blasting the announcement, claiming it would “abandon” disaster victims.
“The Trump Administration’s grand plan for victims of natural disasters is to abandon them—and it’s a complete non-starter,” Welch said.
He added that cutting FEMA would “harm ongoing recovery efforts” and weaken future disaster response—a claim many on the Right strongly dispute.
Trump, Noem, and the Future of Emergency Response
As Trump continues to lead the charge toward smaller government, stronger states, and greater accountability, FEMA could become the next battleground. Noem’s remarks signal that the administration is serious about cutting waste, empowering local leaders, and putting American communities—not Washington elites—first.
Stay tuned. The next steps could reshape how this country responds to crisis—and redefine the role of federal agencies in our daily lives.