Texas floods test FEMA’s future amid Trump reforms 

President Donald Trump declared a major disaster in Texas on July 6, activating the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist with recovery from historic flash flooding in the Hill Country region. More than 120 people died, including 36 children, and over 170 remain missing — many swept away as the Guadalupe River surged more than 20 feet in an hour.

FEMA has deployed hundreds of personnel to support state-led efforts, including setting up disaster recovery centers, funding temporary housing and coordinating infrastructure repair reimbursements.

How did Noem’s cost controls affect FEMA’s response?

FEMA officials told CNN that a new rule issued by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem delayed the agency’s ability to quickly deploy search and rescue teams. The rule requires her personal approval for all contracts and grants exceeding  $100,000.

As a result, FEMA could not immediately pre-position urban search and rescue crews. Noem didn’t authorize their deployment until more than 72 hours after the flooding began. According to CNN reporting, it delayed requests for aerial imagery and call center staffing.

DHS officials defended the system as a shift toward streamlined spending and state empowerment.

What is Trump’s plan for FEMA?

Trump has repeatedly called for phasing out FEMA in favor of state-run disaster management supported by federal block grants. At a Cabinet meeting Tuesday, July 8, Noem told the president that the Texas response aligned with his vision: “We come in and support them.”

Trump has argued that FEMA is bloated and slow, and in January, he established the FEMA Review Council to suggest reforms.

The 12-member FEMA Review Council, co-chaired by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, convened Wednesday, July 9, in New Orleans to continue developing proposals to overhaul or eliminate FEMA. Final recommendations are expected by November.

At the meeting, Noem reiterated her call to dismantle the agency “as it existed” and remake it into a state and locally led system, saying the current federal model is outdated. 

Why do critics oppose dismantling FEMA?

Former FEMA officials warn that eliminating the agency would force states to coordinate directly with federal departments like HHS or the Army Corps of Engineers, a complex process that FEMA currently manages. Many states, including Texas, rely on FEMA for most of their emergency funding.

In 2024, Texas allocated $547 million on preparedness, but much of its emergency budget comes from federal grants.

“Even the most capable states face catastrophes that overwhelm them,” said Justin Knighten, FEMA’s former associate administrator under the Biden Administration.

Critics also note that FEMA provides resources few states can afford, including search-and-rescue units, mortuary teams and the National Flood Insurance Program.

What reforms are already underway?

The Trump administration has already scaled back FEMA operations. The agency’s staff has reportedly shrunk by 25% since January due to buyouts and layoffs.

What happens next?

Hazard mitigation funds remain pending, according to ABC News. The administration has eliminated door-to-door canvassing to help survivors enroll for aid, an approach it called wasteful. Officials say the changes have complicated relief efforts, with blocked roads and power outages across affected communities.

While Trump insists now isn’t the time to debate FEMA’s future, many view the Texas disaster as a real-world test of whether a leaner, state-driven model can withstand extreme pressure.