President Donald Trump caused a stir on Friday when he said he’s thinking about “getting rid of FEMA” during a trip to North Carolina to see the damage left by Hurricane Helene.
Later, he visited California to check out the destruction caused by massive wildfires.
“We’re going to recommend FEMA go away and pay states directly,” Trump told reporters while in Asheville, NC. “The state should handle this.”
He added that FEMA has been “a big disappointment,” calling it slow and expensive.
Trump also said he thinks states should take care of disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes without depending so much on the federal government. “Let the states handle it,” he said.
FEMA is the agency that helps after disasters when a state asks for emergency help.
It covers cleanup costs and gives financial support to people who need it.
California Wildfires and Recovery Talks
After North Carolina, Trump headed to Los Angeles, where wildfires have burned over 55,000 acres and destroyed many homes.
Some fires, like the Palisades Fire, are mostly under control, but newer ones in San Diego and Ventura County are still spreading.
California Governor Gavin Newsom asked Trump for federal help, saying, “We’re going to need your support.”
Trump promised to help, saying, “We’re going to get this fixed permanently, so it doesn’t happen again.”
Federal Help Comes With Strings
But before landing in California, Trump said any federal aid would come with conditions.
He wants the state to change its water policies and adopt voter ID requirements.
“I want voter ID for California, and they need to let the water flow,” Trump said, repeating earlier claims that environmental rules are to blame for water shortages during the fires.
State officials have denied this, saying conservation efforts have nothing to do with the issue.
Critics say Trump is using the wildfires to push his political agenda.
Meanwhile, experts estimate the cost of rebuilding just two of the fires the Palisades and Eaton fires could hit $13.1 billion.
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In Summary:
- Trump on FEMA: Says he might replace FEMA with direct payments to states.
- Wildfire recovery: California faces over $13 billion in rebuilding costs.
- Conditions for aid: Trump wants voter ID laws and changes to water policies in California.
Trump’s comments have drawn criticism, with some accusing him of turning disaster relief into a political bargaining chip.