White House Denies $15.8M Disaster Aid for Western Maryland Floods

President Trump has denied a $15.8 million disaster relief request from Democratic Governor Wes Moore for Western Maryland following severe flooding in May that damaged homes, infrastructure, and public utilities. FEMA's letter stated that supplemental federal assistance under the Stafford Act was not warranted, though it did not clarify the reasoning behind the denial. Governor Moore has announced plans to appeal the decision, highlighting that damage assessments surpassed FEMA thresholds historically required for aid. In contrast, the federal government approved a disaster declaration for West Virginia after flash flooding in June killed nine people and displaced residents, with Trump approving $11.7 million in aid. West Virginia officials and congressional delegation praised the administration's support, while Maryland leaders, including Senators and Representatives, have urged reconsideration of the denied assistance. The disparity in federal disaster aid decisions has drawn criticism from Maryland Democrats, who note potential formulaic disadvantages in FEMA's assistance criteria and recall past instances where Trump threatened to withhold aid from political opponents.