### Trump Administration's Cuts Jeopardize Recent FEMA Reforms

Recent advancements at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aimed at better serving vulnerable communities are at risk as the Trump administration significantly reduces programs and staff, emergency experts warn.

FEMA has faced criticism for decades over its failure to adequately assist poor people, racial minorities, and residents of rural and tribal areas in the aftermath of disasters. Investigations revealed that these groups have frequently been overlooked or denied essential assistance, with long-term and sometimes fatal consequences for families.

Under the Biden administration, FEMA implemented various reforms to rectify these issues. The agency simplified application forms, eased residency proof requirements, and made funds available more quickly for essential items like food and diapers. However, many of these reforms are now being canceled or face an uncertain future. President Trump has stated that he does not believe FEMA should operate in its current form and has attempted to eliminate equity programs designed to serve Americans from diverse economic, geographic, and ethnic backgrounds.

The agency has already faced billions in budget cuts and has lost hundreds of staff members. Despite a recent budget request for increased disaster relief funding, a presidentially appointed FEMA review council is considering recommendations to significantly reduce or eliminate the agency.

FEMA has not provided answers to NPR on how it plans to ensure equitable assistance after disasters or whether the reforms from the Biden era will be reversed. Chauncia Willis-Johnson, former emergency manager for Tampa, Florida, and current leader of the Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management, expressed concern over the halted progress, noting, “Now, not only have we stopped, but we've actually regressed.”

Previous FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell highlighted efforts under the Biden administration aimed at making sure disaster assistance was tailored to the unique needs of each community. Examples of this personalized approach included assistance for different types of disaster victims, such as renters in urban areas who may need immediate cash for necessities and rural homeowners who might require help filling out forms or accessing medications.

FEMA also established high-level advocates for rural and tribal communities to better serve these often overlooked populations. One notable change made it easier for people to prove residency, addressing the issue where individuals living in inherited or family homes without clear legal documentation struggled to receive federal assistance.

Despite the Biden administration's efforts, much work remained. However, experts viewed the equity-focused policies as steps in the right direction. "Was FEMA necessarily doing a good job? They weren't perfect," acknowledged Willis-Johnson, adding that there had been significant positive movements in recent years.

One of Trump's initial actions as President was to sign an Executive Order banning diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across federal agencies, leading to the cancellation of the FEMA Corps program. This program trained young people to assist with disaster response. Additionally, FEMA recently canceled a major grant program aimed at helping underserved rural communities prepare for increasing extreme weather events.

Although some equity measures remain intact, including streamlined applications and immediate aid payments, the agency is grappling with numerous staff vacancies due to the cancellation of programs and numerous resignations.

The importance of having federal disaster responders was underscored by the 2020 wildfires in Oregon, which saw FEMA deny about 70% of assistance applications. Many of these denials were overturned after FEMA workers on the ground corrected application mistakes, showcasing the critical role of in-person assistance in ensuring victims receive needed aid.

Willis-Johnson emphasized the importance of FEMA’s expanded in-person assistance efforts, particularly for marginalized groups who have historically been underserved. She expressed worry that vulnerable people might now struggle to access basic help, stating, "Why would we ever want people to suffer? It’s not ok."