The White House is approving disaster relief funds without notifying FEMA, leading to delays and confusion

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: CNN Politics

Published 5:00 AM EDT, Wed June 4, 2025


CNN — In early April, President Donald Trump approved millions of dollars in assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Virginia, which was reeling from devastating winter storms and flooding. Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, issued a news release touting the president’s decision to sign his disaster declaration request, and local news outlets began reporting that funding would soon be flowing to the state. But a key partner hadn’t been notified: FEMA.

Leaders at the disaster relief agency, which is tasked with delivering that aid, were caught off guard when they eventually saw the smattering of headlines, FEMA officials told CNN, given such news would almost always come directly from the White House. It wasn’t until at least four days later that official word reached FEMA – an alarming delay in an otherwise urgent process.

The breakdown in communication forced hard-hit Virginia communities to wait an extra week or so for critical assistance, agency officials said. The sources said this reflects a troubling pattern in Trump’s second term. It’s among several concerns raised by current and former FEMA officials about the White House’s approach to disaster relief as forecasters are already keeping a close eye on potential storms at the start of hurricane season.

Typically in presidential administrations, including Trump’s first, FEMA advises the White House on which disasters warrant federal assistance. The president then either approves or denies the aid, and once he signs a state’s disaster declaration FEMA is quickly notified so relief efforts can promptly begin. FEMA officials are usually responsible for notifying state leaders that help is on the way. But amid mounting turmoil at the agency, communication and coordination between the Trump administration and FEMA leadership has dwindled, creating confusion and delays as federal emergency managers work to deliver assistance to impacted states.

Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/04/politics/fema-white-house-disaster-relief-funds

[cutroot]

1. Stinky just wants to make sure that his name is on the check

Just an attention whore

[ultralite001]

2. Terrifying...

This confusion + chaos will create a "Perfect Storm" all its own...

American lives are being put at risk by the whims of a mad man...

[underpants]

3. This guy. Reportedly didn't know we had a hurricane season

Mhttps://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=20361953

[LauraInLA]

4. Hmmm, so VA was approved, but not AR or NC? Interesting choices.

[slightlv]

6. This is why the mess...

trump doesn't want FEMA approve funds... he, alone, wants to do it. That way, he can make sure no Blue States get emergency funds. He's made me this cynical. Just look at how he treats CA during wildfires! Instead of money or assistance, he gives them stupid, insane "advice."

[LauraInLA]

7. I just find it interesting bc AR and NC, in addition to VA, are "red" states.

[slightlv]

9. Ah, yes...

but you have to actually look beyond that with trumpy... who, in those states, offended him? I know he's had a real bad attitude toward the cross-eyed governor in AR for a while now. More than once, she's been disappointed in his reaction to something involving her state. VA, I don't know... other than it had a hell of a lot of "extraneous" federal workers, many of whom are fighting his RIF's.

I know that setting D vs. R is the simplest formula where trump is concerned, and it often does work. We have to keep up with his enemies list, which includes anyone who looked at him cross-eyed that day, I swear!

[WhiteTara]

11. why doesn't the tsf like

Sarah 3 names anymore? I saw her lying her ass off for him on tv during the campaign. I realize she is loathsome, but I'd love to know why he threw her under the bus.

[travelingthrulife]

12. Not fair. After all he dumped millions of gallons of water into the desert in January

Don't forget he also purged firefighters and ended critical training programs.

[Buddyzbuddy]

5. The Felon's version of "it's in the mail".

The Felon wants all of the credit and none of the blame.

You would have thought this guy grew up in the poorest house in the neighborhood without 2 nickels to rub together. I recognize the behavior.

In my house, as a child you're taught, don't answer the phone, stay away from the windows, don't answer the door, if anybody asks, "your parents aren't home." These are behaviors to avoid landlords and bill collectors.
"It's in the mail, the money was there when I wrote the check."

How in the heck did this bum learn this behavior. He lives this way like it's second nature. He must always believe he's broke. Literally like SCROOGE, but with gov't money and never in a manner that would prevent him from benefiting.

[James48]

8. FEMA is broken.

Trump broke it.

It doesn’t function.

[turbinetree]

10. He will bankrupt them just like he did with his casinos..........