President Trump visits California and North Carolina to survey wildfire and hurricane damage, expressing his intention to revamp disaster relief efforts by potentially dismantling FEMA and providing funds directly to states.
President Donald Trump surveyed disaster zones in California and North Carolina on Friday, expressing his consideration of dismantling the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ). This move highlights his inclination towards drastic changes in the nation's core disaster response system. In fire-ravaged California, Trump faced pressure from state Democratic leaders for federal assistance , which he had previously threatened to withhold.
Some leaders, setting aside past differences, showered him with praise. In return, Trump urged local officials to waive permitting requirements, promising swift federal approval for rebuilding efforts. Trump proposed a shift away from FEMA's traditional role as the conduit for federal financial aid, suggesting that Washington could directly provide funds to states. He criticized FEMA as 'very bureaucratic' and 'very slow,' deeming it a 'very big disappointment.' These comments were made during his first trip of his second term to North Carolina, a state still recovering months after Hurricane Helene. Trump's arrival in California was marked by a brief but friendly interaction with Governor Gavin Newsom, a frequent Trump critic. Newsom, while acknowledging his past disagreements with Trump, appealed for his support, reminding him of his assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump, however, maintained a confrontational stance towards California earlier in the day, using disparaging nicknames for Newsom and publicly criticizing his handling of the state.Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, toured ravaged neighborhoods in Marine One and Pacific Palisades, a hard-hit community. He interacted with residents and law enforcement officials, witnessing firsthand the devastation caused by the ongoing wildfires, which have the potential to become the costliest natural disasters in US history. Trump's pressure on Newsom and other officials extended beyond disaster relief, as he demanded concessions, including alterations to water policies and voter ID requirements. He echoed the views of conservative allies who advocate for reducing federal involvement in disaster response, stating his preference for states to manage tornadoes, hurricanes, and other calamities
FEMA Disaster Relief Donald Trump California Wildfires North Carolina Hurricane Gavin Newsom Federal Assistance State Government
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump Plans Major Reshaping of FEMA, Criticizes Agency PerformancePresident Trump is poised to make significant changes to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), focusing on reducing federal reimbursements to states for disaster response and potentially relocating the agency to another department.
Read more »
Trump Considers Military Force to Acquire GreenlandPresident-elect Donald Trump has expressed his interest in acquiring Greenland, even considering military force if necessary, citing its strategic importance to US national security.
Read more »
‘Trump hates China more’: Mexicans bet that Trump is bluffing on tariffsAs Donald Trump vows an expanded trade war, businesses in Mexico are continuing with factory expansions. They assume their country remains central to America’s goal to get less dependent on China.
Read more »
Trump meme coin now worth more than $68 billionPresident-elect Donald Trump on Friday launched his first cryptocurrency, a meme coin called $TRUMP.
Read more »
Trump Washington rally: Trump wants US to enter ‘joint venture’ with TikTokDonald Trump pitches TikTok deal with US ownership at Washington rally; Elon Musk says he plans “significant changes”. Follow live updates.
Read more »
Donald Trump launches his own meme coin $TRUMP days before inauguration7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »