Federal Disaster Aid Approvals Delay Over Month Under Trump Across 17 States

An Associated Press analysis reveals that the time for presidential approval of major disaster declarations in the U.S. has significantly increased over recent decades, reaching over a month on average during President Donald Trump's term. In the 1990s and early 2000s, approvals typically took less than two weeks, rising to about three weeks in the past decade under presidents from both major parties. These delays hinder survivors from promptly receiving federal aid for living expenses, temporary housing, and home repairs, and also impede local governments' recovery efforts due to uncertainty over federal support. This trend has been documented across multiple states, including Kentucky and Mississippi, where natural disasters have caused extensive damage. Experts express concern that the prolonged delays represent a neglect of disaster survivors by the federal government, signaling a shift in the national approach to disaster aid. The findings were reported through collaborations among the AP, Mississippi Today, and Mississippi Free Press.