Trump Administration Cuts FEMA Flood Mitigation Funds Amid Rising Disasters

The Trump administration has significantly cut federal hazard mitigation funds, denying aid in 16 of 18 disaster declarations, including after deadly floods in Texas, which has sparked a lawsuit by 20 states over cuts to flood control funding. Experts warn that reducing these proactive funds increases financial and human risks as extreme flooding becomes more frequent due to climate change, leaving vulnerable communities with fewer resources to prepare and recover. In Texas, while FEMA aid is available to flood victims, undocumented families remain hesitant to apply due to fears of immigration enforcement, despite eligibility provisions for households with U.S. citizen children. FEMA's acting administrator defended the agency's response to the Texas floods, denying reports of delays and asserting that federal support was timely and adequate, though criticism and resignations followed over perceived bureaucratic inefficiencies. Meanwhile, in Maryland, FEMA denied the state's request for millions in flood relief funding, disappointing local officials who highlight ongoing recovery challenges, raising concerns that political considerations may influence aid decisions. The White House emphasized that President Trump carefully reviews disaster aid requests to ensure federal funds supplement rather than replace state responsibilities.