What Trump’s plan to "remake" FEMA could mean for disaster relief across the US
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When disaster strikes—whether it’s a hurricane, wildfire, or flash flood—many Americans immediately think of FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Since its creation in 1979, FEMA has played a central role in coordinating the federal response to emergencies nationwide.
But now, the Trump administration is proposing a major change.
According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the agency won’t be eliminated—but it will be “remade.”
For those who rely on FEMA after natural disasters, these changes could reshape how help arrives when it’s needed most.
A shift in strategy—not a shutdown
Appearing on NBC News’ Meet the Press, Secretary Noem addressed concerns about FEMA’s future.
“I think the president recognizes that FEMA should not exist the way that it always has been. It needs to be redeployed in a new way, and that’s what we did during this response,” she said, referring to the federal response to the recent Texas floods.
She emphasized that “it’s not just FEMA that can respond in these situations. The federal government has all kinds of assets, and we deployed them,” including the Coast Guard and US Customs and Border Protection.
Trump had previously criticized FEMA and even floated the idea of getting rid of it.
Noem herself had echoed that idea.
But when asked again whether the plan was to dismantle the agency, she clarified that Trump “wants it to be remade so that it’s an agency that is new in how it deploys and supports states.”
Also read: Proposed TV show would feature immigrants competing for citizenship—here’s what’s behind “The American”
The Texas floods: a test of the new model
The recent flooding in Texas has served as a proving ground for this shift in strategy.
So far, at least 129 people have died, and 166 remain missing.
Noem described the federal response as a preview of how disaster recovery will work moving forward under Trump’s vision—less reliance solely on FEMA and more coordination with other federal agencies.
Trump’s dissatisfaction with the agency has been clear.
Just days into his second term, he declared, “FEMA has really let us down, let the country down.”
That same day, he signed an executive order calling for a “full-scale review” of FEMA operations.
Also read: Flames ahead? Why experts are worried about this year’s wildfire season
Contract oversight and criticism
Noem also confirmed reports that she now personally signs off on all Department of Homeland Security contracts over $100,000.
“The $100,000 sign-off is for every contract that goes through the Department of Homeland Security,” she explained.
“It’s an accountability on contracts that go forward. But there was no break in contracts. Those contracts were approved as soon as they were in front of me, and FEMA knew they were fully to deploy them the instant that the local officials asked for the request.”
Still, some Democratic lawmakers are questioning the administration’s overall disaster response.
Senator Elizabeth Warren publicly called for Noem to resign.
Asked about the criticism, Noem laughed and replied, “I don’t care what she thinks.” She added there was “no” chance she would resign.
Also read: Flood disaster worsens as dozens remain missing—nation watches recovery efforts unfold
A call to improve—without politics
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, a Democrat who also appeared on Meet the Press, offered a more collaborative message.
He encouraged leaders to treat these disasters as opportunities to improve—not as political weapons.
“What I hope happens is people embrace the questions, because the questions don't have to be a political football, and shouldn't be,” he said.
“It’s: ‘How do we do better? How do we save more lives? How do we get a better weather forecast? Do we have enough people at the National Weather Service? Can we deploy faster than we did this time?’”
Also read: Trump’s “big, beautiful” budget: What it means for taxes, seniors, and immigration
"Alligator Alcatraz" and detention controversy
Beyond disaster recovery, Noem is also facing backlash over a Florida immigrant detention center nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.”
Democrats who visited the facility, including Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, described what they saw as “really appalling,” saying detainees were “essentially packed into cages,” with more than 30 people in each one.
“Wall-to-wall humans,” Schultz said.
Noem defended the conditions, stating, “I wouldn’t call them jail cells. I would call them a facility where they are held and that are secure facilities but are held to the highest levels of what the federal government requires for detention facilities.”
She also noted that the center is state-managed and added that the administration is exploring the creation of additional detention facilities.
Noem went on to encourage voluntary “self-deportation.”
Also read: Lynda Carter breaks her silence—What the Wonder Woman star just said about ICE and the LA riots will shock you
A legal setback on immigration enforcement
Noem’s comments came just one day after the administration suffered a legal defeat in California.
A federal judge ruled that officials could not detain individuals solely based on their race or spoken language.
Noem said the administration would comply with the court order but intends to appeal.
“What we have always done is built a case and done investigative work in who we go after and who we target,” she said.
Tom Homan, Trump’s “border czar,” acknowledged on CNN that “collateral arrests in many areas” are common—where officials also detain other undocumented immigrants found during enforcement actions.
However, he emphasized, “Let me be clear: Physical description can’t be the sole factor to give you reasonable suspicion.”
He explained that appearance could contribute to a case, using the example of someone with an MS-13 gang tattoo.
Also read: Are you prepared for tornado season? Discover why DOGE’s latest move might affect you!
What this means for the future of FEMA—and for you
If you live in an area at risk for hurricanes, fires, or floods, FEMA’s evolving role could affect how disaster aid is delivered.
The administration says the goal is to make recovery efforts faster, less bureaucratic, and more effective by tapping into the full range of federal resources.
But as with any shift in policy, the outcomes will depend on execution, coordination, and communication.
For those who have dealt with FEMA in the past—whether after Katrina, Sandy, or more recent storms—these reforms could be encouraging. Others may worry about gaps in service or confusion during emergencies.
Either way, the decisions made in Washington will have real consequences on the ground.
Read next: Law and order? Why Trump thinks Alcatraz deserves a comeback
Have you ever relied on FEMA or another agency during a disaster? Do you think this new approach will help—or raise new concerns? We’d love to hear your take in the comments.
Since its creation in 1979, FEMA has played a central role in coordinating the federal response to emergencies nationwide.
But now, the Trump administration is proposing a major change.
According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the agency won’t be eliminated—but it will be “remade.”
For those who rely on FEMA after natural disasters, these changes could reshape how help arrives when it’s needed most.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says FEMA needs to be "remade" to better respond to disasters, not dismantled. Image Source: YouTube / Forbes Breaking News.
A shift in strategy—not a shutdown
Appearing on NBC News’ Meet the Press, Secretary Noem addressed concerns about FEMA’s future.
“I think the president recognizes that FEMA should not exist the way that it always has been. It needs to be redeployed in a new way, and that’s what we did during this response,” she said, referring to the federal response to the recent Texas floods.
She emphasized that “it’s not just FEMA that can respond in these situations. The federal government has all kinds of assets, and we deployed them,” including the Coast Guard and US Customs and Border Protection.
Trump had previously criticized FEMA and even floated the idea of getting rid of it.
Noem herself had echoed that idea.
But when asked again whether the plan was to dismantle the agency, she clarified that Trump “wants it to be remade so that it’s an agency that is new in how it deploys and supports states.”
Also read: Proposed TV show would feature immigrants competing for citizenship—here’s what’s behind “The American”
The Texas floods: a test of the new model
The recent flooding in Texas has served as a proving ground for this shift in strategy.
So far, at least 129 people have died, and 166 remain missing.
Noem described the federal response as a preview of how disaster recovery will work moving forward under Trump’s vision—less reliance solely on FEMA and more coordination with other federal agencies.
Trump’s dissatisfaction with the agency has been clear.
Just days into his second term, he declared, “FEMA has really let us down, let the country down.”
That same day, he signed an executive order calling for a “full-scale review” of FEMA operations.
Also read: Flames ahead? Why experts are worried about this year’s wildfire season
Contract oversight and criticism
Noem also confirmed reports that she now personally signs off on all Department of Homeland Security contracts over $100,000.
“The $100,000 sign-off is for every contract that goes through the Department of Homeland Security,” she explained.
“It’s an accountability on contracts that go forward. But there was no break in contracts. Those contracts were approved as soon as they were in front of me, and FEMA knew they were fully to deploy them the instant that the local officials asked for the request.”
Still, some Democratic lawmakers are questioning the administration’s overall disaster response.
Senator Elizabeth Warren publicly called for Noem to resign.
Asked about the criticism, Noem laughed and replied, “I don’t care what she thinks.” She added there was “no” chance she would resign.
Also read: Flood disaster worsens as dozens remain missing—nation watches recovery efforts unfold
A call to improve—without politics
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, a Democrat who also appeared on Meet the Press, offered a more collaborative message.
He encouraged leaders to treat these disasters as opportunities to improve—not as political weapons.
“What I hope happens is people embrace the questions, because the questions don't have to be a political football, and shouldn't be,” he said.
“It’s: ‘How do we do better? How do we save more lives? How do we get a better weather forecast? Do we have enough people at the National Weather Service? Can we deploy faster than we did this time?’”
Also read: Trump’s “big, beautiful” budget: What it means for taxes, seniors, and immigration
"Alligator Alcatraz" and detention controversy
Beyond disaster recovery, Noem is also facing backlash over a Florida immigrant detention center nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.”
Democrats who visited the facility, including Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, described what they saw as “really appalling,” saying detainees were “essentially packed into cages,” with more than 30 people in each one.
“Wall-to-wall humans,” Schultz said.
Noem defended the conditions, stating, “I wouldn’t call them jail cells. I would call them a facility where they are held and that are secure facilities but are held to the highest levels of what the federal government requires for detention facilities.”
She also noted that the center is state-managed and added that the administration is exploring the creation of additional detention facilities.
Noem went on to encourage voluntary “self-deportation.”
Also read: Lynda Carter breaks her silence—What the Wonder Woman star just said about ICE and the LA riots will shock you
A legal setback on immigration enforcement
Noem’s comments came just one day after the administration suffered a legal defeat in California.
A federal judge ruled that officials could not detain individuals solely based on their race or spoken language.
Noem said the administration would comply with the court order but intends to appeal.
“What we have always done is built a case and done investigative work in who we go after and who we target,” she said.
Tom Homan, Trump’s “border czar,” acknowledged on CNN that “collateral arrests in many areas” are common—where officials also detain other undocumented immigrants found during enforcement actions.
However, he emphasized, “Let me be clear: Physical description can’t be the sole factor to give you reasonable suspicion.”
He explained that appearance could contribute to a case, using the example of someone with an MS-13 gang tattoo.
Also read: Are you prepared for tornado season? Discover why DOGE’s latest move might affect you!
What this means for the future of FEMA—and for you
If you live in an area at risk for hurricanes, fires, or floods, FEMA’s evolving role could affect how disaster aid is delivered.
The administration says the goal is to make recovery efforts faster, less bureaucratic, and more effective by tapping into the full range of federal resources.
But as with any shift in policy, the outcomes will depend on execution, coordination, and communication.
For those who have dealt with FEMA in the past—whether after Katrina, Sandy, or more recent storms—these reforms could be encouraging. Others may worry about gaps in service or confusion during emergencies.
Either way, the decisions made in Washington will have real consequences on the ground.
Read next: Law and order? Why Trump thinks Alcatraz deserves a comeback
Have you ever relied on FEMA or another agency during a disaster? Do you think this new approach will help—or raise new concerns? We’d love to hear your take in the comments.
