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President Donald Trump announced the launch of a review council for the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Monday.
Team members include Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
“I am proud to announce the formation of the FEMA Review Council, comprised of Top Experts in their fields, who are Highly Respected by their peers. It is my Great Honor to appoint to the Council, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Governor Greg Abbott, Governor Glenn Youngkin, former Governor Phil Bryant, Michael Whatley, Mayor Jane Castor, Kevin Guthrie, W. Nim Kidd, Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz, Mark Cooper, Bob Fenton, and Evan Greenberg,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“I know that the new Members will work hard to fix a terribly broken System, and return power to State Emergency Managers, who will help, MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN. Congratulations to all!” he concluded.
The action follows Trump’s executive order in March to transfer many disaster relief preparation responsibilities from the Federal Emergency Management Administration to state and local governments.
The order calls for a review of current policies to enhance responses to future disasters nationwide.
“Preparedness is most effectively owned and managed at the state, local, and even individual levels, supported by a competent, accessible, and efficient federal government,” the order said. “When states are empowered to make smart infrastructure choices, taxpayers benefit.”
The order mandates a revision of critical infrastructure policy to align with assessed risks rather than an “all-hazards approach,” according to a White House fact sheet.
It establishes a “National Risk Register” to identify, assess and measure risks to U.S. national infrastructure while streamlining federal operations to enhance collaboration between states and Washington.
The order directs key Trump administration officials, including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, along with federal agencies, to develop a National Resilience Strategy within 90 days.
Additionally, within 240 days, the national security adviser must review national disaster preparedness and response policies and propose necessary revisions, rescissions, or replacements to update federal responsibilities.
FEMA previously faced criticism last year after it was discovered that agency funds were depleted in response to Hurricane Helene following spending on illegal immigrant programs.
“FEMA has run out of money for the rest of hurricane season because Kamala Harris used the funds for free giveaways to illegal immigrants,” then-Trump Campaign National Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote in October.
“This is inexcusable and yet another example of Kamala Harris putting Americans LAST!” she added.
