Trump and his administration are done with the nonsense.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently expressed strong support for dismantling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in its current form. During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Noem aligned her stance with that of former President Donald Trump and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, both of whom have previously suggested that eliminating FEMA, as it exists today, could be an option to streamline disaster relief efforts. Reports indicate that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has gained access to FEMA’s sensitive data to review the agency’s performance.
When asked whether President Trump could close FEMA, Noem responded affirmatively, emphasizing that Trump’s team was considering such a move. Noem stated, “He can. And I believe that he will do that evaluation with his team.” She noted that Trump’s goal would be to work with Congress to ensure any changes are made properly while still maintaining a federal role in assisting Americans during major disasters. Noem acknowledged the need for help but criticized FEMA for its waste, fraud, and inefficiency, pointing out the positive changes under President Trump’s leadership in addressing these issues.
As a former governor of South Dakota, Noem had firsthand experience with FEMA’s disaster responses, overseeing twelve major natural disasters. Reflecting on her time managing crises, she highlighted that local officials, such as county emergency directors, mayors, and city commissioners, are far more capable of making swift and effective decisions than bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. This was a key part of her argument in favor of decentralizing disaster response.
When asked directly if she would advise Trump to eliminate FEMA in its current form, Noem said, “Yes, get rid of FEMA the way it exists today.” She emphasized the importance of redirecting disaster relief funds to local authorities, allowing them to deploy resources efficiently without the interference of bureaucratic red tape.
Noem also criticized FEMA under the Biden administration for its selective approach to disaster relief, referencing reports of FEMA skipping homes with pro-Trump signs in hurricane-affected areas. She contrasted this with Trump’s hands-on leadership, recalling how he swiftly closed 80% of FEMA cases in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene.
In her interview, Noem also defended Elon Musk’s role in auditing federal agencies. Musk’s team, working under the president’s direction, is tasked with identifying waste and inefficiency within government programs. Noem expressed confidence in Musk’s efforts, stating that his focus was on improving efficiency, not on personal data. Musk’s involvement is part of a broader push for reform within the federal government to reduce unnecessary spending and increase accountability.
After the interview, Musk took to social media to highlight a troubling finding by DOGE: FEMA had reportedly spent $59 million on housing illegal migrants in luxury hotels in New York City, rather than directing that money toward disaster relief for American citizens. Musk condemned this misuse of funds, stating that it violated the president’s executive orders and misallocated money meant for disaster-stricken Americans. He vowed to demand the return of the funds.
This controversy further underscores the need for a rethinking of FEMA’s role in disaster relief and the broader goals of government efficiency. Noem, Trump, and Musk all agree that local governments should have more control over how relief is administered, ensuring that resources are used more effectively and without unnecessary bureaucracy.