Trump Appoints Bipartisan FEMA Council to Overhaul Agency

President Donald Trump has created a bipartisan FEMA Review Council by executive order in January to reform and streamline the nation's emergency management system, with an emphasis on shifting more disaster response authority to states. The council is co-chaired by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and includes Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, former Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor (the only Democrat), and Florida emergency director Kevin Guthrie. Trump has criticized FEMA for inefficiency and political bias, calling for reforms that reduce federal bureaucracy and prioritize state and local expertise. The council's formation coincides with several states, including Mississippi and North Carolina, seeking continued federal disaster assistance following recent severe storms. Members bring extensive disaster management experience and are tasked with recommending improvements for FEMA's future operations. Their recommendations are anticipated to shape the structure and effectiveness of federal disaster relief in the United States.