Trump Administration Drops Plan to Abolish FEMA Amid Texas Floods

President Donald Trump has stepped back from his earlier plans to abolish the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), opting instead for a rebranding that emphasizes state leadership in disaster response. This shift comes amid the administration's response to devastating floods in Texas, where Trump has prioritized federal aid but underscored that states should have primary responsibility for managing disaster relief. While Trump has not ruled out discussing FEMA's future, no official action to dismantle the agency is currently underway. Critics, including current and former FEMA officials, argue that the agency's response to the Texas floods was hindered by administration-imposed spending and contract restrictions. Public opinion remains strongly in favor of a major federal role in disaster aid and rebuilding, with a recent poll showing bipartisan support for federal involvement. The administration's approach envisions federal funding paired with state decision-making authority, reflecting Trump's long-standing stance on decentralizing disaster management.