Trump Approves Some Disaster Aid, Denies Others

A number of federal disaster-aid requests after recent storms and floods were denied — including Wisconsin’s request for more than $26.5 million and Maryland’s appeal estimated at roughly $33.7 million — leaving local officials scrambling for other resources. At the same time President Trump approved major disaster declarations for Alaska, Nebraska, North Dakota and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, authorizing FEMA public assistance and, in some cases, individual assistance. FEMA said in some denials the public assistance program "is not warranted," though some FEMA individual-assistance funds have been distributed. Critics accused the pattern and timing of approvals of politicization after Trump publicly touted aid for states he carried and highlighted vote returns when announcing relief. State leaders including Wisconsin’s Tony Evers and Maryland’s Wes Moore said they will pursue appeals, collect more damage documentation and warned denials will slow long-term recovery.