Former FEMA Official Reacts to Trump's Comments on Ending the Agency

 In a controversial statement made during his visit to areas of North Carolina devastated by Hurricane Helene, former President Donald Trump expressed his willingness to “get rid” of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This remark has drawn widespread attention and criticism, particularly given FEMA’s pivotal role in disaster response and recovery efforts.

Joining Chris Jansing on MSNBC, former Ohio Governor John Kasich and former senior FEMA official Lars Anderson shared their reactions to Trump’s comments. Kasich, a frequent critic of Trump, underscored the critical importance of FEMA in coordinating federal resources during disasters. “The idea of eliminating FEMA is not just impractical; it’s dangerous,” Kasich stated. “FEMA provides essential support to states and communities when they need it the most.”

Anderson, who has years of experience in disaster management, echoed Kasich’s sentiments. He highlighted the agency’s indispensable role in responding to emergencies like hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. “FEMA’s expertise and ability to mobilize resources quickly save lives,” Anderson explained. “Without FEMA, the burden would fall entirely on state and local governments, which often lack the resources and capacity to handle large-scale disasters.”

President Trump has just boarded Marine One on his way to Joint Force Andrews Base as he heads to North Carolina to see the hurricane devastation and visit with victims.

Before he boarded, Trump gave a statement to reporters about two Republican Senators who voted against Pete Hegseth’s nomination. He didn’t say much, but expressed dismay that both Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins voted against advancing his confirmation: Trump tells reporters on the South Lawn that he's "very surprised that Collins and Murkowski would do that," by voting no on Hegseth. "Of course, Mitch is always a no vote, I guess."

Trump’s comments come at a time when North Carolina residents are grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread flooding, property damage, and displacement. FEMA has been on the ground providing critical aid, including temporary shelter, food, and financial assistance to affected families.

Critics argue that Trump’s statement reflects a lack of understanding of FEMA’s mission and the complexities of disaster management. “Eliminating FEMA would create chaos,” Anderson warned. “It’s not just about immediate relief; it’s about long-term recovery and building resilience against future disasters.”

Supporters of FEMA point to its successes in past emergencies, such as coordinating the federal response to Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath, assisting communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, and aiding recovery efforts following wildfires in California.

As the nation faces an increasing frequency of natural disasters fueled by climate change, the role of FEMA has never been more critical. Kasich emphasized the need for bipartisan support to strengthen the agency rather than dismantle it. “We should be working to improve FEMA’s capabilities, not undermine them,” he concluded.

Trump’s remarks have sparked a renewed conversation about the federal government’s role in disaster management. For now, FEMA continues its work in North Carolina, providing much-needed relief to those impacted by Hurricane Helene, while the debate over its future rages on.