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US President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Sunday to establish a review council tasked with evaluating the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The move stops short of immediately shutting down or restructuring the country’s primary disaster response agency.
The order mandates the creation of a council comprising relevant federal leaders and “distinguished individuals” from outside the government, chosen by Trump. The council is directed to hold its first public meeting within 90 days and submit a report to the president within 180 days of that meeting.
During a trip to disaster-hit areas in North Carolina and California on Friday, Trump had floated the idea of dismantling FEMA, pledging to issue an executive order to overhaul or eliminate the agency. He accused FEMA of mishandling relief efforts and suggested that states should directly receive federal funds to manage disasters.
In the executive order, Trump expressed “serious concerns” about political bias within FEMA and alleged that its funds had been allocated to programmes connected to incoming migrants.
FEMA plays a crucial role in disaster recovery, providing emergency personnel, supplies, and equipment to affected areas. The agency’s funding has risen significantly in recent years, driven by the growing frequency of extreme weather events.
Cam Hamilton, FEMA’s acting head, sought to reassure staff on Friday, emphasising the agency’s importance to national security.
“FEMA is a critical agency which performs an essential mission in support of our national security,” Hamilton wrote in a message to employees.
In the past year, FEMA has faced challenges combating misinformation, particularly regarding disaster responses in states like Florida and North Carolina.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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