The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for coordinating the federal government’s response to natural and man-made disasters. Established in 1979, FEMA’s mission is to help people before, during, and after disasters by providing assistance and supporting citizens and first responders.
Recently, FEMA has been at the center of political discussions. On March 19, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order transferring disaster preparedness responsibilities from FEMA to state and local governments.
This move aims to streamline disaster response but has raised concerns about the adequacy of state and local resources to handle large-scale disasters without federal support.
Additionally, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has indicated plans to eliminate FEMA, a longstanding target of President Trump’s criticism. This proposal has sparked debates about the future of disaster management in the U.S. and the potential impacts on communities vulnerable to disasters.
In response to these developments, some lawmakers have introduced the FEMA Independence Act, which proposes to restructure FEMA to report directly to the President, aiming to enhance its effectiveness and independence within the federal government.
For individuals seeking disaster assistance, FEMA provides resources through its official website, including information on applying for aid, disaster preparedness, and recovery programs.