Trump Quietly Halts Money to States for Preventing Disaster Damage

image via New Scientist

May 1, 2025, 2:45 PM

• •President Trump halted federal funding for states' disaster damage prevention programs, marking a shift in approach.
• •Trump's actions include denying mitigation money to Virginia while approving disaster aid, and considering major overhauls to FEMA.
• •These moves have raised concerns about reduced resources for protecting against extreme weather events and weakening of FEMA's mitigation efforts.

President Trump has halted federal funding for state programs designed to prevent disaster damage, a move that has raised concerns about future preparedness. This decision marks a departure from previous administrations and signals a potential shift in federal disaster relief strategies. The Trump administration is also considering significant changes to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including potential cuts to mitigation programs. These actions have prompted criticism from experts and officials who fear they will weaken the nation's ability to respond to and recover from extreme weather events.

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