Trump calls for shutting down FEMA even as red states collect top funds - Trump supporters could end up hurt the worst

Ahead of a tour of two states struck by natural disasters, President Donald Trump criticized the disaster response agency as “very bureaucratic” and “very slow.”

President Donald Trump suggested Wednesday that states should “take care of their own problems” rather than rely on the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help them recover after natural disasters.

The new president doesn’t appear interested in overhauling or reforming FEMA, only in eliminating the agency altogether.

KYLE, Texas — The city of Kyle has been awarded a $1.3 million Hazard Mitigation Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA). Kyle City Council voted to accept the grant during a Tuesday, Jan. 7 meeting.

SWANNANOA, N.C. — President Donald Trump said he was considering “getting rid of” the Federal Emergency Management Agency during a trip to disaster zones Friday, offering the latest sign of how he is weighing sweeping changes to the nation’s central organization for responding to disasters.

Biden mentioned a FEMA program through which fire victims can receive a one-time $770 payment, but there are other forms of federal aid available.

The city of Kyle will be installing eight new permanent generators at critical water system sites after accepting a $1.3 million FEMA grant.

In an interview on Fox News this week, Trump said “FEMA is getting in the way of everything," and suggested that he would withhold assistance from California. Congressional Democrats have sharply criticized the president’s threats to withhold federal disaster aid.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — President Donald Trump suggested signing an order to "get rid of FEMA" in Asheville, North Carolina Friday morning as he discussed relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Helene and visited families affected.

In the first official trip of his second term, Trump also threatened to withhold disaster aid to California unless the state enacts a voter ID law.

The agency was created in the late 1970s and is tasked with helping states and communities impacted by disasters nationwide.