Trump Shifts Disaster Preparedness to States in New Executive Order

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday, shifting disaster preparedness responsibilities to state and local governments in a move to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The order emphasizes "common sense" investments to mitigate risks such as wildfires, hurricanes, and cyberattacks, though it lacks details on funding.

The directive introduces a "National Risk Register" to assess threats to national infrastructure and streamlines federal policies to improve coordination with states. The White House argues that empowering local governments leads to smarter infrastructure decisions and taxpayer savings.

Trump’s January review of FEMA did not call for dismantling the agency, but critics argue the administration has systematically weakened disaster response efforts. Rob Moore of the Natural Resources Defense Council accused the administration of cutting 1,000 FEMA jobs and withholding funds from local governments engaged in risk reduction projects. Shana Udvardy from the Union of Concerned Scientists warned that the order forces states to take on costly infrastructure investments without clear federal support, putting communities at greater risk.

While the White House claims the order strengthens national security, opponents fear it undermines disaster readiness by reducing federal involvement.