FEMA Criticized After Denying Kentucky Storm Aid

FEMA has denied Individual Assistance for Christian and Todd counties and Public Assistance for Leslie County in Kentucky after severe storms and tornadoes in spring 2025, citing insufficient severity of damage. The agency also rejected hazard mitigation funding requests for both April flooding and May tornadoes. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear criticized the denials and announced plans to appeal, arguing the affected counties met the criteria for aid. The decisions occur amid broader criticism of FEMA under the Trump administration, which has sought to shift more disaster recovery responsibility to states and reduce federal funding. State leaders contend that these denials hinder both immediate recovery and long-term preparedness. FEMA is also facing accusations of being under-resourced and unprepared for more frequent and intense natural disasters nationwide.