Trump's Controversial Stand: Potential Abolition of FEMA Looms

US President Donald Trump proposed dismantling FEMA during his visits to California and North Carolina. Expressing dissatisfaction with the agency's efficiency, he suggested transferring disaster management responsibilities to states, raising concerns among emergency management professionals about preparedness for upcoming disaster seasons.

US President Donald Trump, on Friday, made a high-profile visit to California, expressing his concerns over the widespread destruction caused by local wildfires, as reported by CNN.

Earlier, during his tour of hurricane-hit North Carolina, Trump criticized Democrats for abandoning the state and hinted at a potential dismantling of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This marked Trump's first trip outside Washington since his Monday inauguration. The Republican party currently finds itself navigating between fiscal restraint and the President's agenda to rebuild disaster-stricken areas.

Speaking in North Carolina, a crucial swing state, Trump highlighted what he perceives as Democratic mismanagement, indicating a preference to abolish FEMA and instead allocate emergency funds directly to states. He remarked that state-level problems should be resolved by state authorities, emphasizing the swift action possible by governors.

Trump conveyed dissatisfaction with FEMA, labeling it slow and costly, and suggested a restructuring that would see states managing their own disaster response. This proposal has prompted warning from former FEMA Chief Deanne Criswell, who cautioned about the potential adverse effects on emergency response capabilities, particularly with severe weather seasons approaching.

(With inputs from agencies.)