FEMA Plans to Cut Federal Disaster Aid Reliance in 7-Page Memo, Decentralize Washington Operations
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Oct 16
FEMA Plans to Cut Federal Disaster Aid Reliance in 7-Page Memo, Decentralize Washington Operations
1 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Oct 16
Summary
An Oct. 15 internal FEMA memo lays out plans to push states and localities to handle more disasters themselves while shifting the agency away from Washington-centered operations.
The 7-page document says FEMA will strengthen state and local emergency-management capacity to reduce dependence on federal aid, arguing partners must build and maintain their own response capabilities.
Cameron Hamilton, FEMA's administrator, also wrote that the agency must curb unnecessary centralization in Washington because regional and field teams are closer to survivors, local officials and community partners.
The memo, obtained by POLITICO and confirmed by two people with direct knowledge, signals the Trump administration's broader effort to recast FEMA's role from primary responder toward a more decentralized support model.