Donald Trump is heading to disaster-hit areas on his first trip since starting his second term as president. On Friday, he will visit hurricane-devastated North Carolina and wildfire-scorched California. The trip comes amid tensions over disaster response and federal aid.
Criticism of past administrations
Trump has criticized former President Joe Biden’s handling of North Carolina’s hurricane crisis. He has also attacked California leaders, blaming their water policies for worsening wildfires. These claims, however, lack evidence.
FEMA overhaul in the works?
The president is also considering major changes to FEMA. Some of his conservative allies suggest cutting how much the agency reimburses states for disaster management. Trump’s approach has sparked fears of political gamesmanship in disaster relief.
Contentious California meeting
The White House invited California congressional members to a roundtable in Santa Monica. The meeting, set in an airplane hangar, could turn heated. Trump has hinted at using disaster aid as leverage to force California to change its water policies. Democratic Senator Alex Padilla criticized this idea, emphasizing California’s history of aiding other states during crises.
A history of politicizing disaster relief
Trump’s record shows a pattern of politicizing disaster response. During his first term, he suggested limiting aid to Democratic states. He also claimed, without proof, that Democrats ignored Republican areas in North Carolina during disaster relief efforts. Most recently, he falsely alleged that California’s fish conservation efforts caused water shortages in Los Angeles during the wildfires.
“I don’t think we should give California anything until they let the water run down,” Trump said on Fox News.
Shifting disaster management to states
He also proposed shifting more disaster management responsibility to individual states. “I’d rather see the states take care of their own problems,” Trump told Sean Hannity, adding that “FEMA is getting in the way of everything.”
Experts push back on Trump’s claims
Michael Coen, former FEMA chief of staff, called Trump’s claims misinformed. “FEMA provides critical support when states are overwhelmed,” Coen said. He warned against tying aid to political agendas, saying, “The federal government must be there for everyone, no matter where they live.”
Controversial visits and public reaction
During his first term, Trump visited many disaster zones but often stirred controversy. In Puerto Rico, he infamously tossed paper towels to Hurricane Maria survivors, drawing backlash. However, some see his visits as an opportunity. Pete Gaynor, Trump’s former FEMA head, noted, “Disaster survivors appreciate seeing the president. It’s their chance to share what their community needs.”
North Carolina residents await help
In North Carolina, Laurie Carpenter, a 62-year-old retiree, eagerly awaits Trump’s visit. Months after Hurricane Helene, her area remains littered with debris. “If anyone can fix this, it’s him,” Carpenter said.
New FEMA leadership and future challenges
Trump recently appointed Cameron Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL with limited disaster experience, as FEMA’s acting director. Trump advocates for states leading disaster responses, with the federal government stepping in only to fund recovery efforts. Meanwhile, Biden’s earlier promise to fully cover Los Angeles wildfire costs remains uncertain without congressional funding.
Climate change and natural disasters
The president’s trip also highlights climate change issues. Experts say global warming worsened Hurricane Helene and California’s wildfires. Studies show climate change increased Helene’s rainfall by 10% and left California’s dry season more extreme. Amanda Stasiewicz, a climate researcher, called it a “breaking point for what we consider normal.”
Trump’s Nevada rally plans
After visiting North Carolina and California, Trump will rally in Las Vegas on Saturday. He plans to celebrate his surprise Nevada win and announce a new policy to exempt tips from federal taxes. Nevada, with its service-driven economy, could benefit, but making the change permanent would require congressional approval.
Trump’s visit, blending disaster relief and political strategy, promises to keep him at the center of national attention.
