The order said there were concerns that FEMA used resources to support missions beyond its scope, including activities that ‘welcome illegal aliens.’
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 24 calling for the creation of a council to review the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), citing concerns over political bias within the agency.
The order stated that FEMA’s handling of Hurricane Helene and other recent disasters has prompted the need to “drastically improve” the agency’s “efficacy, priorities, and competence,” and evaluate on whether the agency’s bureaucracy hinders its ability to respond effectively.
FEMA has failed to provide vulnerable Americans with the resources and support they needed during difficult times, “despite obligating nearly $30 billion in disaster aid” annually over the past three years, it stated.
In addition, the order said there were “serious concerns of political bias” within FEMA, and that resources had been used to support missions beyond the agency’s scope, including activities that support illegal aliens.
“Indeed, at least one former FEMA responder has stated that FEMA managers directed her to avoid homes of individuals supporting the campaign of Donald J. Trump for President,” the order stated.
“FEMA therefore requires a full-scale review, by individuals highly experienced at effective disaster response and recovery, who shall recommend to the President improvements or structural changes to promote the national interest and enable national resilience,” it added.
The order called for the creation of a review council consisting of relevant federal agency leaders and “distinguished individuals” from non-governmental sectors selected by Trump. The council will be co-chaired by the secretaries of homeland security and defense.
Trump has directed the council to hold its first public meeting within 90 days and submit a report detailing its assessment of FEMA’s disaster response efforts over the past four years.
The council will also evaluate on whether FEMA can serve as a support agency providing supplemental federal assistance, and recommend reforms to promote the national interest, according to the order.
Trump signed the order following his visit in areas in western North Carolina on Jan. 24 that had been severely affected by Hurricane Helene last year. The president has signaled that he is considering whether to abolish FEMA.
