20 States Sue Trump Over FEMA Grant Program Cuts

A coalition of 20 predominantly Democratic-led US states has sued the Trump administration for terminating FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which provided billions in grants for pre-disaster mitigation projects. The states argue that FEMA unlawfully canceled the program, approved and funded by Congress, threatening vital infrastructure initiatives aimed at protecting communities. BRIC, established in 2018, funded nearly 2,000 projects nationwide and covered up to 75% of project costs (90% in rural areas) for flood protection, evacuation shelters, and related measures. The Trump administration labeled BRIC as 'wasteful' and 'politicized,' but states contend its abrupt shutdown has delayed or canceled essential projects and increased disaster risk, especially after recent deadly floods. The lawsuit also highlights concerns about undermining long-term disaster preparedness and the separation of powers between Congress and the executive branch. This legal action comes as states pursue additional lawsuits over the freezing of other federal grant programs.