Kristi Noem Calls for Overhaul: ‘Get rid of FEMA the way it exists today’
The DHS secretary expressed support for Trump's plan to close the disaster response agency.
TroibNews 
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expressed her support for the plan to eliminate the current structure of FEMA as part of President Donald Trump's extensive reform of the federal government.
"I would say, yes, get rid of FEMA the way it exists today,” Noem stated during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday. She emphasized the need for continued resources and financial support for disaster-stricken areas, such as those affected by Hurricane Helene and the wildfires in California, while advocating for local officials to have the authority to make deployment decisions.
During a visit to western North Carolina on January 24, an area recently impacted by Hurricane Helene, Trump mentioned his consideration of closing the Federal Emergency Management Agency, arguing that state governments should take charge of disaster responses. On that same day, he signed an executive order to create a council tasked with reviewing the agency’s functions.
Cameron Hamilton, the acting administrator of FEMA appointed by Trump, has promoted narratives claiming FEMA mismanages disaster aid, including accusations of obstructing aid deliveries to North Carolina following Hurricane Helene.
While many congressional Republicans are in favor of reforming FEMA, a significant number have rejected Trump’s idea of eliminating the agency entirely. Noem noted that the president intends to collaborate with Congress on potential reforms.
Trump has articulated that he recognizes a role for the federal government in assisting citizens in recovery but highlighted ongoing issues of fraud, waste, and abuse within the system, stating, “there's a lot of fraud and waste and abuse out there,” according to Noem.
In response to questions about Elon Musk's role and the unofficial Department of Government Efficiency's access to sensitive agency data, including the personal information of disaster victims, Noem voiced her support for Musk’s initiatives.
“Elon Musk is part of the administration that is helping us identify where we can find savings and what we can do, and he has gone through the processes to make sure that he has the authority the president has granted him,” she remarked.
Recently, Musk has faced criticism for his assertive methods within the administration, particularly his efforts to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development.
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
"I would say, yes, get rid of FEMA the way it exists today,” Noem stated during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday. She emphasized the need for continued resources and financial support for disaster-stricken areas, such as those affected by Hurricane Helene and the wildfires in California, while advocating for local officials to have the authority to make deployment decisions.
During a visit to western North Carolina on January 24, an area recently impacted by Hurricane Helene, Trump mentioned his consideration of closing the Federal Emergency Management Agency, arguing that state governments should take charge of disaster responses. On that same day, he signed an executive order to create a council tasked with reviewing the agency’s functions.
Cameron Hamilton, the acting administrator of FEMA appointed by Trump, has promoted narratives claiming FEMA mismanages disaster aid, including accusations of obstructing aid deliveries to North Carolina following Hurricane Helene.
While many congressional Republicans are in favor of reforming FEMA, a significant number have rejected Trump’s idea of eliminating the agency entirely. Noem noted that the president intends to collaborate with Congress on potential reforms.
Trump has articulated that he recognizes a role for the federal government in assisting citizens in recovery but highlighted ongoing issues of fraud, waste, and abuse within the system, stating, “there's a lot of fraud and waste and abuse out there,” according to Noem.
In response to questions about Elon Musk's role and the unofficial Department of Government Efficiency's access to sensitive agency data, including the personal information of disaster victims, Noem voiced her support for Musk’s initiatives.
“Elon Musk is part of the administration that is helping us identify where we can find savings and what we can do, and he has gone through the processes to make sure that he has the authority the president has granted him,” she remarked.
Recently, Musk has faced criticism for his assertive methods within the administration, particularly his efforts to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development.
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
